It’s that time of year again — when we reflect on the seemingly endless amounts of food we ate from Thanksgiving through the December holidays. And lament how our physical activity levels simultaneously dropped, thanks to the colder weather that gripped most of the country.
In the face of that combination — more food, less movement — it’s hard to imagine how a person would not have gained at least a pound or two heading into 2017. So, what’s the big deal about adding a few pounds?
[See: 8 Weird Ways Obesity Makes You Sick.]
In the U.S., more than two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese. Weight gain has long been associated with overall poorer health, including higher rates of multiple chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. But being overweight or obese can also increase your risk of developing cancer.
Two of the most common cancers in the U.S., colon cancer and breast cancer, develop at higher rates in people who are overweight or obese. In men and women, having a higher body mass index, or BMI, a measure of your weight in relation to your height, increases your risk of developing colon cancer, although this association may be stronger in men than in women.
[See: 15 Best Weight-Loss Diets at a Glance.]
When you gain the weight may also be important to your cancer risk. There is evidence to suggest that gaining weight in adulthood versus your youth may further increase the risk of developing colon cancer, particularly among men. Similarly, in women, the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer also increases as your BMI increases. These are not the only cancers where extra pounds mean extra risk. Obesity has also been linked to an increased risk of developing other cancers, including endometrial (uterine), kidney and esophageal cancers. How exactly being overweight or obese leads to increased risk of developing cancer is not yet known, and may be different for different cancers.
[See: Here’s How Many Calories 7 Winter Chores Burn.]
So, what can you do about it? First, avoid weight gain and try to maintain a normal weight. A “normal” weight is not going to be the same for everyone, so talk to your doctor about what weight to set as your goal. If you are already overweight or obese, weight loss is likely beneficial to reducing the risk of developing cancer. Weight loss will also help to improve your cardiovascular health. Second, make sure you get the appropriate cancer screening tests for your age. Lastly, modify other activities that are risk factors for developing cancer, including the consumption of excessive alcohol, tobacco smoking and limited physical activity.
More and more evidence is emerging to suggest that many cancers are preventable. Maintaining a healthy body weight will help reduce your risk of developing cancer.
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The Dangers of Packing on the Pounds originally appeared on usnews.com
