Obesity and overweight are the second most significant cause of cancer in the world, and the fight against obesity has become a widespread problem in today’s rapidly changing society. According to a new report by the World Obesity Federation, more than half of the world’s population will be overweight or obese by 2035.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a medical condition characterized by excessive body fats that increase the risk of multiple health problems and diseases. This can include heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver disease, sleep problems, as well as certain cancers.
The Best Medical Oncologist in Nagpur suggests numerous reasons individuals have trouble losing weight. Often, obesity results from inherited, physiological, and environmental factors combined with diet, physical activity, and exercise choices.
Obesity has wide-ranging consequences that can include heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver disease, and sleep problems, it substantially increases the likelihood of developing multiple diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and various cancers, including:
- Cancer of the breast
- Cancer of the colon and rectum
- Cancer of the uterus
- Cancer of the esophagus
- Tumour in the gallbladder
- Cancer of the liver
- Cancer of the kidneys
- Cancer of the pancreas
- Stomach cancer
- Cancer of ovaries
- Meningioma
- Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the principal metric to ascertain whether an individual is obese or overweight. A person with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is classified as obese, per the CDC. It is important to note that BMI may not be the sole indicator of obesity; age-related muscle decline (sarcopenia) and muscle mass should also be considered.
Categories of BMI:
- Under 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9; healthy
- 25.0 to 29.9: overweight
- 30.0 to 39.9: Obesity
- 40.0 or more: severe obesity
Various ways to clarify the direct /indirect relationship between obesity and cancer:
Adipose cells can create an environment that leads to chronic inflammation by damaging cellular DNA and promoting unchecked cell proliferation, which ultimately leads to the growth of tumors.
Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing cancers, including those of the breast, gynecologic, colorectal, kidney, and other organs, by disrupting hormone secretion, including that of estrogen and insulin.
Cell Regulation: Hormones or proteins that regulate cell growth may be disrupted by adipose cells, leading to aberrant cell division and the development of tumors.
Obesity may weaken T-cells close to tumor cells, limiting their ability to attack and eliminate cancerous cells.
Treatment and Diagnosis Implications:
The Best Oncologist in Nagpur says that beyond the risk of developing severe cancer, obesity can also increase complexities in diagnostic imaging and difficulties in acquiring images. Also, the complexity of radiation therapy and surgery is highlighted as a result of the expansion of tissue and the possibility of unintended harm.
A study in 2017 found that cells may be capable of absorbing and degrading chemotherapy medications, thereby diminishing their efficacy and possibly elucidating the association between obesity and unfavorable prognoses across a range of cancers.
In addition to increasing the risk of developing cancer, obesity contributes to the development of complications like diabetes. The convergence of obesity, diabetes, and cancer presents healthcare professionals with a complex predicament that requires them to maintain a nuanced equilibrium throughout treatment.
Principle Obstacle Include:
Steroid use of chemotherapy can lead to high glucose levels. This can cause an inability to regulate blood sugar, resulting in unfavorable outcomes, impaired wound healing, and increased risk of infections. Additionally, cancer-related fatigue and loss of appetite can worsen.
Reducing the Risk of Cancer via Weight Loss:
Despite obstacles, Eating healthy and being more active is the best way to improve your health. Suppose a person is overweight or obese. Losing 10% of body weight can reduce the risk of developing cancer and other serious diseases. Research shows that postmenopausal women lose 5 percent of their body weight and have a lower risk of developing endometrial cancer. If you find losing weight difficult, eating a more balanced diet and exercising regularly can help to lower the risk of cancer.
Here are Some Steps you can take to help you make a healthier choice
Exercise Daily: If you struggle with being more active and are on a diet, Your dietician can help. A professional dietician, gym trainer, physiologist, or doctor specializing in weight loss can quickly help you change your routine.
Get Support: Feeling supported when pushing yourself very hard to make lifestyle changes is essential. They can help you to make healthier changes and stick with them over time. Talk to your friends about the changes you want to make and ask them for help.
Weight loss Surgery: If you have a severe health condition related to obesity, such as heart disease or diabetes, weight loss surgery can be an option for you. Weight loss or bariatric surgery is only considered for people with a BMI of 40 or 35 or more severe health conditions.
Conclusion – Dr. Sameeksha Dubey, a Cancer Specialist in Nagpur research, highlights the connection between obesity and cancer. It is essential to work with your healthcare team and make healthy changes in your lifestyle to reduce weight and the risk of disease. It emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and proactive measures by understanding the complex interplay of factors that can help reduce cancer risk and improve well-being. Losing weight is a fictional step towards a healthy, cancer-resistant life.
