OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY INCREASE THE RISK OF CANCER First, how to estimate body fatness? The most reliable measure is the Body Mass Index or BMI, which is based on weight and height. The formula to calculate BMI is Weight (kg)/ (Height x Height (m)), or Weight (lb.)/ (Height x Height (in))x 703. A BMI of 18.5- 24.5 is considered normal weight, 25- 29.5 is overweight, and above 30 defines obesity. Recent studies have shown that overweight people have 13-18% chance of developing breast, colon and pancreatic cancer, and 30-60% chance of developing esophageal, uterine and kidney cancer, compared with people with healthy weight. Obesity doubles these rates! How does overweight and obesity cause cancer? Its been suggested that the increase in certain hormones levels (Leptin being the most studied) associated with overweight and obesity, might induce cell proliferation by stimulating the production of growth factors. Inflammation is another suggested mechanism. Another strong reason to consider... Source: The National Cancer Institute cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 03:27:17 +0000
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