Extract from “THESTAR” : Overweight, Obesity & Cancer

The followings are some of the extract from an article wrote by Dr Tee E Siong (dated Oct5,2008)

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) expert report on: Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer, released in November 2007, presents the evidence for this link and provides detailed recommendations for the prevention of cancers.

The evidence linking overweight, obesity and cancer is now even stronger than it was in the mid-1990s. There is now convincing evidence that excess body fat increases the risk of the following cancers: colorectal (bowel), oesophagus, pancreas, kidney, endometrium (womb) and breast (in postmenopausal women). Being overweight or obese probably also increases the risk of gallbladder cancer. There is limited evidence suggesting that greater body fatness is a cause of liver cancer

WCRF recommendations:-

The recommendation of WCRF is therefore to be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight.

As a guide, a healthy waist measurement is less than 80 cm (32 inches) for women and less than 90 cm (35 inches) for men. Remember that the measurement should be taken after breathing out!

Things to DO!!!

> Lead a more active life; sneak in some exercises in your daily routine.

> At work, do desk exercises or walk to your colleague’s work station instead of talking on the phone.

> Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

> Walk instead of driving for short distances.

> If you drive, park further away from your destination and walk.

> Wash your car yourself, clean your house briskly, do gardening/farming or mow your lawn.

> Exercise at least three times per week for 20-30 minutes each time.

> Go jogging, swimming, cycling or do brisk walking.

> Take up recreational sports.

> Play golf (minus the buggy).

> Eat less high-fat, high-calorie foods and snacks.

> Avoid overeating, nibbling and eating at irregular times.

> Keep an eye on portion sizes as controlling the amount you eat is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy weight.

> Avoid weight-loss diets that severely restrict calories and other nutrients.

> Trying to lose weight with self-induced vomiting and the use of laxatives or diuretics can be dangerous.