The health risks of being overweight are well documented, however a recent study carried out by a leading group of scientists has revealed that the risk of developing cancer is higher in patients who are obese and carry excess fats about their person.
It has long been established that being obese or overweight increases the risk of health problems such high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and cancer. However, new evidence suggests the strong link between weight and the increased risk of cancer is attributable to excessive body fats. In fact, studies reveal that the risk of cancer is 20% higher in obese patients compared to patients whose weight is within a normal BMI range.
The findings are only preliminary and further tests and studies would have to be carried out in order to better understand the link between fat and cancer. One belief is that fat cells collect carcinogenic toxins and act as a natural waste dump in which bodily poisons accumulate. Another potential cause is linked to increased levels of oestrogen in fat people – oestrogen is a hormone which promotes cell growth. Finally, it is well documented that excess sugars found in overweight people activate a protein in the body which facilitates the emergence of tumours.
