Weighty Matters: Obesity and Breast Cancer
What if I say carrying extra pounds can increase breast cancer risk in women? You will wonder, “Not another health scare!” This is a highly significant subject, yet it sometimes flies under the radar. Hang tight because getting to know the link can help you take control of your well-being and make better health decisions! It is a kind of double whammy because obesity, apart from lowering our energy and self-esteem, can have significant health consequences.
This blog will uncover the link between obesity and breast cancer risk and give you insightful tips to keep a tab on your weight, thus reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Extra Pounds, Extra Risk!
You are not new to the fact that obesity can lead to many diseases. But how many of you know that it can lead to breast cancer in women? Yes, being overweight significantly increases the risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause. You can greatly reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight. We can protect ourselves by paying little attention to the numbers on the scale.
Weight, Hormone, and Cancer
Here is why the risk increases: Being overweight means more fat cells, and where there are more fat cells, more estrogen is produced in the body. Breast tumors that are hormone receptor-positive can proliferate when exposed to estrogen. However, the relationship between being overweight and breast cancer is nuanced, and it depends on several variables. For example, excess weight in the abdomen is more dangerous than fat in the thighs or hips.
Losing Pounds and Risks
Keeping a check on those extra pounds you gain can help you prevent the risks in the first place. As we age, losing those extra pounds may seem more difficult, but it is possible with careful dietary adjustments and regular exercise. To start, discuss a healthy weight goal that fits your age, height, body type, and amount of activity with your doctor. Next, collaborate to design a smart and safe weight loss plan that suits your needs. You can quickly improve your health and create long-lasting changes with healthy steps.
Gains From the Loss!
Since you know that weight gain can increase breast cancer risk, let us see how we can dodge the risks. It is not easy to lose weight, but battling with cancer is difficult. Weight loss is not only related to calories. It requires some major lifestyle modifications. One should adopt a balanced diet comprising vibrant fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.
Ditch those sugary drinks and processed meals. Engage in physical activities you enjoy to keep your body moving. Even brisk walking counts, as does dance, hiking, yoga, or other physical activities!
To sum up, though it may seem daunting to consider that gaining weight increases the risk of breast cancer, this is a significant issue that merits our consideration. Awareness of this connection enables us to take proactive measures for better health. Although shedding pounds may seem complicated, it is possible with patience and consistency. Remember that it is not always about gains. Some loss can also safeguard your future!
