Obesity could affect breast cancer survival

Obesity, particularly abdominal fat, can affect breast cancer survival, says a new study that recommends women to maintain a healthy weight throughout adult life. Marilie Gammon and colleagues at the University of North Carolina studied 1,254 women aged 20-54 diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1990 and 1992, reported the Newswise wire.

Obese women have higher amounts of estrogen in their body. Estrogen is mainly produced from the fatty tissues and more amount of fat in your body means you have higher chances of getting affected by breast cancer. Good nutrition, healthy living conditions and a fine environment may help girls to start puberty earlier in life and attain menopause later. Estrogen develops though out the fertility period. And better levels of estrogen in the body increases the risk of breast cancer in women.

Obesity raises the risk of various types of cancer. And only 3% people know that obesity increases cancer risks. According to a recent research based on one million Americans conducted by the American cancer society, 14% of cancer deaths in men and 20% of cancer deaths in women occur due to Obesity. Scientists say that 90,000 deaths can be avoided in America if they take good care to maintain their body weight. Women are more likely to get cancer in their breasts, gallbladder, ovaries, colon and cervix while men get cancer in colon and rectum.

Weight Loss- A Proven Strategy

There are two important steps to losing weight and being able to keep the weight from returning later. Here they are:

Step 1 - Eat Less

Food, including water, is the energy your body needs to exist. Your body needs only so much in order to operate. In order to lose weight, the energy (food) taken in must be less than the energy burned.

Here are some ideas for applying Step 1.

- Don't eat after 7 p.m. at night. If you stick to this, you cut out late night snacks, which are a killer for adding weight.

- Eat smaller portions. If you cut your portions, you cut down on the amount of energy coming in. Portion control is a very big thing in this day and age of mega meals and super sized food. This alone will be one of the biggest ways to eat less.

- Eat a sensible breakfast. You need to get your body functioning again after not eating since 7 p.m. last night. You are breaking your fast. Remember portion control. Everything in moderation.

- No snacks between meals. This will also make sure you are eating less.

Step 2 - Exercise More

Don't worry, you won't need to run 12 miles a day or anything like that. You just want to use more energy than in the past. In order to do this, you will need to increase your activity. Don't think of it as exercise, think of it as activity. You will be surprised at how easy it is to increase your activity level!

Here are some ideas for applying Step 2.

- While you are watching TV, don't just sit there. Move your arms around, get up and walk around the room, do jumping jacks, stand up and sit down. All you want to do is make sure you are NOT just sitting there watching TV. ANY activity is better than none.

- Take your dog for a walk every day. It will greatly benefit your dog, also. If you do not have a dog, take a walk anyway. It doesn't have to be very far. Just take a walk however far you want. Just do more than you have been and you will feel better and start burning more energy than previously.

- Take the stairs whenever possible. No more elevators.

- If you can, start weight training. Muscle burns energy efficiently. If you build muscle, it replaces fat and makes you a fat burning machine!

Try to think of other creative ways to cut calories and increase energy expendature. I'm sure you can come up with many more ideas. This will be a great start for you. Keep in mind it is always easier to start, and stick with these steps if you have someone to share in your activity.

A final thought - The best time to plant a tree was 5 years ago. The second best time is right now!

This can be applied to losing weight. The best time to start may have been in the past, but the second best time is right now. Don't get discouraged. This is a lifetime commitment and a life changing goal. Be easy on yourself, but be committed and you will see progress!

As with any excercise or weight loss program proper supplementation is vital. Before taking action- Get Informed. For a FREE Health Newsletter please visit:http://www.healthybodysupplements.com - By ElmerFizz