The Link Between Obesity And Cancer

overeatingIt has long been known that obesity has been linked as a risk factor to certain cancers, such as breast cancers.

Obese people have a very high and disproportionate amount of fat in their bodies, measured as the Body Mass Index (BMI).

A person with a BMI over 30 is considered obese, and is a greater risk for many diseases, including certain cancers.

In the case of breast cancer, obese women are at greater risk because of their increased levels of estrogen, which is also produced by fatty tissue.

With colon cancer, a study has shown that the hormone leptin, which is released by fat cells, may aid in the growth of cancerous cells in the colon.

A person can become obese because of his eating habits and sedentary lifestyle. A diet high in fat but low in vitamins and minerals can make the body function poorly.

Toxins, viruses and other unwanted substances find it easy to attack the body, because its resistance has been lowered due to poor body functions.

Eating healthily can provide the body with the vitamins, minerals and other substances that could increase resistance to infections and other diseases.

Adopting a more active lifestyle, including exercise, also affords the obese person the opportunity to burn fat, gain more energy, and help keep the heart and lungs working at optimal levels. Waste is moved through the body properly, and blood is allowed to flow better through its vessels.