Obesity is a well-established risk factor for various cancers, accounting for approximately 40% of all cancer diagnosis in the United States. According to Cancer Research UK being overweight and obesity is the 2nd biggest cause of cancer in the UK.

A quick look into how 

Extra fat in the body doesn’t just sit around doing nothing. Fat cells can divide more often and they will send out signals. They can increase inflammation, and fat produces excess growth and sex hormones, these can all increase risk of developing cancer. At least 20% of cancers are linked to chronic inflammatory processes (this needs a whole post to itself). Inflammation can increase your weight gain and weight gain increases inflammation.

Understanding the connection between excess weight and cancer is vital for prevention and improving survival rates.

The Weight of the Matter: Obesity and the Impact on Cancer Risk.

Carrying too much weight increases your risk of developing 13 types of cancer, including breast cancer(post-menopause), colorectal, endometrial, kidney and pancreatic cancer.

So as we have battled to increase the awareness of smoking and its risk of developing cancer and the amount of people smoking have decreased. The percentage of people in the UK who are overweight or obese is rising and yet only half the population realise that being obese increases the risk of cancer!

Tip: Add more fruit and vegetables to your plate. Adding these and some whole grains may help you manage your weight and reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Personality Changes:

Significant weight changes can affecxt your personality traits. Weight gain can see a decline in extraversion, openess and conscientiousness.

The more weight you gain the less you want to go out and meet with friends, the less you go out the less you are moving and perhaps eating more. It becomes a cycle

Tip: Be open about your battle with weight. Engage with your friends and family. They love you and want you around for as long as possible. Get moving. Just 20 minutes of walking or 1000 extra steps can help support your physical and mental health.

The Tipping Point: How Much Weight Loss Reduces Cancer Risk?

Losing just 5-10% of your body weight has shown health benefits. Breaking it down into these bite size portions is much more manageable. If you can sustain that 5-10% loss the benefits increase. Did you know? Losing 1kg of weight is also associated with an improvement in blood pressure.

Research studies using bariatric surgery have shown that a sustained 20kg weight loss is associated with reduced cancer risk.

The benefits of weight loss of 5-10% loss are significant. You might still be overweight, but you will have reduced your risk of developing cancer. 

Tip: Aim for a realistic weight loss goal. Just 5-10%. Write it down. Have a short term plan, be open with your friends and family. Find a walking buddy and swap ideas and support each other on the journey.

Beyond Prevention: Weight Loss Enhances Cancer Survivorship

For cancer survivors, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Obesity can increase the risk of cancer recurrence and decrease survival rates. Weight management through diet and exercise is recommeded to improve outcomes.

Tip: Join a support group. You can get guidance from a nutritionist, exercise therapist, dietician who can all help you to develop a plan that will help keep you on track and see you succeed.

Managing weight is a really powerful way to help reduce your cancer risk and promote overall health. Be proactive in taking steps toward a healthier future.

Please see my story. I am overweight, no lets face it. I am obese. My family are worried about me. If you can relate to that. Read my story. My journey begins in writing this post and telling all of you.