India has a big problem: obesity.
Researchers have found that about 5% of the Indian population suffer from morbid obesity. Just look around: you will surely find many people who just appear unhealthy. Combined with an uncaring attitude towards their health, obesity has become a recipe for disaster.
Now, a study published in the journal Cancer Letters has found a link between cancer and obesity.
The connection between cancer and obesity
The study was conducted at the American university. It found that a higher than normal Body Mass Index (BMI) could be linked to different kinds of cancer and other health-related problems.
The fat cells in overweight, obese or morbidly obese individuals all increased the risk of getting cancer. In people with normal weight, the fat cells showed no such tendency. This finding corroborates earlier studies which show that obese people are more likely to develop multiple myeloma (a type of cancer), and have significantly lower rate of overall survival.
How does fat increase cancer risk?
In obese people, there is an observable change in the way fat cells communicate with each other and with multiple myeloma cells. The fat cells grow larger by gaining more lipid and start secreting proteins linked to cancer. The study found a strong correlation between BMI level on one hand and angiogenesis and adhesion, both of which are key factors in the development of cancer. Excess weight is also linked to breast, colorectal, kidney and pancreatic cancers.
Reduce your weight and lower the risk
You may ask: what does this study have to do with you?
If you are obese or even just overweight, you need to think about the dangerous consequences of carrying extra fat. Obesity doesn’t just make you look ugly, it has a negative impact on your life. Cancer is a dreadful disease which can cause years of suffering, and even death. Wouldn’t it be better to reduce the risk by combating obesity in a scientific manner?
Khalid Md. Saifullah is the editor-in-chief of an esteemed magazine, Health Companion. He is also the Founder and Managing Director of leading healthcare organisations like ‘Naturoveda Health World’,‘Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution’, ‘The Megaman Sexual Wellbeing Clinic’ etc.