Obesity and Cancer

Did you know that there’s a link between obesity and cancer? Scientists have found that not only is there a link, but according to an American Cancer Society study, as many as 90,000 cancer deaths each year could be prevented if Americans could only maintain a normal, healthy body weight.

It’s believed that one of the important ways obesity increases your risk for cancer is by causing the body to produce more of the hormones estrogen and insulin. Under the right circumstances, these hormones are critical for our health.  But when someone is obese and these hormones are too high, they can actually stimulate the growth of cancer.

The good news is that, to some degree, we can control many of our risks factors for these cancers by good eating habits and exercising. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is not just about what you look like in the mirror or the number that registers on a scale.

There are certain foods that are what we call “cancer fighters.” They contain something called “antioxidants” that work to prevent cancer from developing. The greatest sources of these antioxidants are fresh vegetables and fruits, which is why you should be eating at least five servings a day. Whole grains are also important. Whole grains include: oatmeal, whole-wheat bread multi-grain bread, and brown rice.  You should try to have at least three servings of whole grains each day.

Food is important fuel for our bodies and exercise is a great way to keep our wonderful machines finely tuned. The next time you’re deciding what you should eat or if you want to walk a few blocks rather than driving or taking the bus, think about how that simple decision could help you lower your risk of developing cancer and many other chronic diseases.