Being overweight favors cancers

Obesity significantly increases the risk of cancer

16.03.2012

Obesity is a high risk factor for cancer. This has become increasingly clear in recent years due to numerous research projects. However, the exact mechanisms are still unknown to scientists. Nutritionists and physicians are currently discussing the topic at the annual congress of the German Nutrition Society „Nutrition and Prevention - Opportunities and Limits ".

Overweight becomes the main risk factor
While smoking was considered the major risk factor for cancer a year ago, today it seems to be replaced by overweight and obesity. More and more people are downright obese in western industrialized countries. According to experts, although the number of overweight people is stagnating overall, it continues to increase, especially among young people. The number of extremely overweight people continues to increase. Reasons for this are to be found on the one hand in the large food supply of the western prosperity countries. Not to be underestimated is also the psychological component of obesity. Eating often does not take those anymore „classic function“ from feeding and breastfeeding, but increasingly satisfying other needs. „emotional eating“ seems „hip“ than ever. In everyday life, however, the calories are rarely abtrained. „Better relax on the couch watching TV than go jogging after work“, seems to be a widespread motto.

Nutritionists, scientists and doctors raise the alarm: „It is becoming increasingly clear that obesity is a very strong promoter of cancer, "explains nutritionist Hans Hauner at the current annual congress of the German Nutrition Society (DGE).. „Not only colon cancer, but also breast cancer is favored by obesity. The mechanisms are still not very clear today. "At the congress on the topic „Nutrition and Prevention - Chances and Limits "are currently discussing more than 800 experts against the background of steadily rising numbers of diet-related illnesses and the growing cost pressures in the healthcare system." The flip side of the oversupply of food is the huge increase in spending in the health sector due to obesity, "warn many Experts |.

Are hormones crucial for cancer??
Hauner believes that the hormone insulin promotes the development of malignant tumors. Insulin levels are higher than average in overweight people. The nutritionist explained that high levels of fat result in decreased insulin receptivity. As a result, the pancreas produces even more insulin, which actually lowers blood sugar levels. „Insulin levels are rising and may act as a growth factor for cancer cells, "says Hauner.

There is a suspicion that breast cancer may be favored by a high obesity level of the female sex hormone estrogen. The estrogen formed in the fat cells may also promote the development of cancerous tumors. The Nutritionist further reports that it has been known for some time that hormone replacement therapy with estrogen could result in an increase in breast cancer rates. These therapies are used by menopausal women to relieve menopausal symptoms.

Red meat from sheep, beef or pork also promotes the development of cancer cells. Although the consumption of chocolate, gummy bears and Co. leads to overweight and type 2 diabetes, high sugar consumption does not appear to favor the development of malignant tumors. „Sugar does not seem to play a major role in cancer, "Hauner reports.

High fiber diet reduces cancer risk
To reduce the risk of cancer from obesity, the most important recommendation is to reduce the size of the body if you are already overweight. For this, sufferers often have to completely separate from their old and harmful ways of life and change their lifestyle. Healthy balanced and high-fiber diet should be a permanent fixture in everyday life. Often, this requires a fundamental rethinking of those affected. But for many, that's a big hurdle that can often only be achieved with the help of therapists. Overweight people have been suffering from obesity since childhood. A healthy lifestyle must be learned from the beginning. "Not an easy undertaking, if advertising and supermarkets invite to unbridled feasting," reports the prospective psychotherapist and graduate pedagogue Gritli Bertram from Hannover.

Nutrition experts recommend at least five servings of vegetables and fruits a day. For fruits and vegetables contain so-called bioactive substances, which can reduce the risk of cancer with a high probability. Instead of a lot of meat and sausages, should be more likely to fish and poultry. Whole grain, legumes and potatoes should also be included as part of the daily diet. According to experts, the „Mediterranean diet“ highly recommended. This contains a lot of vegetables, salad and fish as well as high-quality olive or rapeseed oil. This could reduce the risk of breast, colon and pancreas cancer.

Exercise can reduce the risk of cancer
True to the motto „Exercise is the best medicine“ The German Cancer Society (DKG) has set ten rules to reduce cancer risk. On its website, the Association informs about the benefits of sporting activities. Movement stimulates circulation, strengthens the immune system, lowers blood lipid levels and improves overall performance. All in all, physical activity "improves the quality of life and even reduces the risk of developing cancer". Around 14 percent of all premature deaths in Germany are attributable to a lack of movement, reports the DKG. 20-25 percent of today's costs, which result from illness, are caused by lack of movement at least with.

In order to reduce the risk of cancer, the professional society recommends 30 minutes of exercise three days a week. When choosing the right sport, the current physical condition should be taken into account. "If in doubt, the family doctor can provide information on exercise capacity". A heart rate monitor is also helpful to avoid excessive stress. Endurance sports are therefore particularly effective: These include, for example, cycling, swimming and running. Obese people must be careful not to stress their joints too much. "Tai Chi can therefore be particularly suitable because the movements are very slow and gentle on the joints," says Bertram. (Ag)

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Image: Thommy Weiss