What is Obesity?
Obesity means having too much body fat. It is more than just being overweight. In fact, doctors use a measure called Body Mass Index (BMI) to check if someone is obese. A BMI of 30 or higher usually means obesity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity rates are rising worldwide. For example, more than 650 million adults were obese in 2016. This is a serious health issue in many countries, including the United States and India.
How Obesity Increases Cancer Risk
Many people wonder about the connection between obesity and cancer risk. Studies show that extra body fat can raise the risk of several cancers. But how does this happen? First, fat cells can cause the body to make more hormones, like estrogen. These hormones may help some cancers grow. Also, obesity can lead to long-term inflammation. This can damage cells and increase cancer risk. In addition, people with obesity often have higher levels of insulin. High insulin can also help some cancers develop.
Some cancers linked to obesity include:
Because of these links, it is important to understand how obesity causes cancer and what you can do to lower your risk.
Recognizing the Signs
Obesity often develops slowly. However, there are signs and risk factors you can watch for. For example, you may notice:
Some risk factors for obesity include:
Since obesity is a major cancer risk factor, it is wise to pay attention to these signs early.
Diagnosis and Assessment
Doctors use several ways to check for obesity and related cancer risks. First, they measure your height and weight to find your BMI. Next, they may check your waist size. A larger waist can mean more risk. Sometimes, blood tests are done to look for high blood sugar or cholesterol. If you have other risk factors, your doctor may suggest cancer screening tests. For example, women may need regular breast exams, while both men and women may need colon cancer screening. Early diagnosis helps lower your cancer risk and improves your health.
Prevention and Lifestyle Changes
Preventing cancer through weight loss is possible. Even small changes can help. Here are some tips to lower your obesity and cancer risk:
Because healthy habits add up, try to make one change at a time. Over time, these steps can help you lose weight and lower your cancer risk.
Treatment and Support
If you are struggling with obesity, you are not alone. Many people need help to manage their weight. Your doctor can guide you on safe weight loss. Sometimes, you may need to see a dietitian or join a support group. In some cases, medicines or surgery may be options. However, these are only used when other methods do not work. Support from family and friends also makes a big difference. Remember, taking small steps each day can lead to big changes over time.
Conclusion
Obesity and cancer risk are closely linked. But you can take action to protect your health. If you are concerned about your weight or cancer risk, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing obesity and reducing your cancer risk.