In this article, I’ll take a look at the connections between weight and a higher risk for Breast Cancer. When does weight gain raise the risk? How can you determine your “ideal weight” that is perfect for you and your unique health situation? And, most importantly, what can you do to maintain the weight that is right for you, so that you can lower your risk of all dis-ease and live a vibrant life?
What is Obesity?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, a person is considered “obese” when their weight is “higher than what is considered as a healthy weight for a given height.” This admittedly vague characterization is usually determined by what is known as the Body Mass Index, or BMI.
The BMI for any given person is calculated by using a rather long, complicated mathematical formula. Unless you really like math, I don’t suggest figuring yours out by hand! Luckily you can use various online tools to determine your BMI. Your conventional physician or natural health professional can also tell you your BMI. They will take the needed measurements and do the calculations during a regular office visit.
Research on Obesity and Breast Cancer
The National Institutes of Health state that anyone with a BMI over 30 is considered “obese.” A person with a BMI of between 25–29.9 is considered “overweight.” According to research and most health experts, the higher your BMI, the greater your risk factors for any disease.
Studies through the years have shown a definite connection between being overweight and Breast Cancer as well as obesity and cancer. There are many common denominators, but the most prevalent has to do with estrogen levels and types. This should come as no surprise to you if you have been on a Healthy Breast journey for a while. Here are some specifics:
-A 2009 meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota found a strong correlation between overweight (BMI of 25 and above) and a higher risk of Breast Cancer.
-They linked this finding to other investigations that showed that estradiol levels systematically increase as BMI increases. Estradiol is the most aggressive form of estrogen. Xenoestrogens mimic aggressive estradiol in the body. Xenoestrogens are chemical toxins found in food, water, and other sources of pollution. Heavy xenoestrogen load is the leading lifestyle-related cause of most Breast Cancers.
-One investigation conducted in France with over 600 pre and postmenopausal women also found not only higher elevations of all sex hormones but also higher levels of specific growth hormones IGF-I and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3. IGF stands for the Insulin-Like Growth Factor. An overabundance of IGF-1 has been linked to the overstimulation of reproductive hormones, aggressive estradiol in particular.
-Finally, in many individuals who are considered “obese” (based on BMI calculations), insulin resistance and pre-diabetic conditions also play a major role in their risk of Breast Cancer. CITE. Individuals who are obese are 80% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. A 2012 report found that people with insulin resistance had a higher risk of Breast Cancer, versus those whose insulin levels were stable. Metabolic syndrome, i.e. insulin resistance, is also linked to an increase in ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) and systemic inflammation, both of which can lead to DNA mutation and cancer if left unchecked over time.
Am I Obese?
The connection between extra weight and higher Breast Cancer risk is real. That being said, remember that “obesity” is just a term. One that is based on a set of conventional medicine standards and generalizations at that. If you have been on a Healthy Breast journey for a while now, then you know that you are uniquely beautiful in all ways, including in regard to their health and ideal weight!
What is right for your friend sitting next to you may not be right for you. Height, body type, genetic factors, lifestyle considerations, healthy food preferences, stress levels, health status at the start of your Healthy Breast journey, and dozens of other factors are all part of the equation.
What Can I Do To Turn My Weight and My Breast Cancer Risk Around?
First of all, you have to believe that you can! Secondly, you need the right information to get started. Thirdly, you need support along the way to stay on track.
I suggest that your main objective when it comes to weight loss is to naturally discover a weight that feels right to you. This can only happen as you begin to replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones. The transition to a healthy weight and a healthy life happens slowly over time as you make these changes. Over time, inflammation lowers, hormones balance and metabolism, immune system function, and gut function all strengthen.
Your ideal weight is the weight that stays consistent over time. It allows you to look and especially feel your best! You can get the information and the support you need in many different ways, including right here on this website. This site is a cornucopia of information. There are hundreds of articles I have written on dozens of subjects through the years. We are also here to help you one on one. Click HERE to learn more about how we may be able to help you on your own unique, personal Healthy Breast and healthy LIFE journey!
Dr. Veronique Desaulniers, better known as Dr. V, is the founder of The 7 Essentials System ™, a step-by-step guide that teaches you exactly how to prevent and heal Breast Cancer Naturally. To get your F.R.E.E. 7-day mini e-course, and to receive her weekly action steps and inspiring articles on the power of Natural Medicine, visit https://breastcancerconqueror.com