In the search for the cure for cancer, scientists must first identify the causes. Along with the upward trend of cancer rates in developed countries, obesity rates seem to continue to rise. Naturally scientists began to investigate as to whether or not there was a connection between these two facets of American life. The National Cancer Institute states that there is a clear connection between obesity. It is hypothesized that fat cells interact with the body differently such as producing excess estrogen and releasing adipokines, which affect cell growth. As of 2008, 68% of Americans age 20 or older were overweight or obese. Should Americans now consider
losing weight for reasons besides self-confidence? The NCI also states that researchers have determined through observational studies that smaller weight gain in adulthood leads to a decreased risk of colon, breast, and endometrial cancer. Though many details are yet to be understood about the relationship between cancer and obesity, I think that Americans, and people all over the world, should assume that obesity is associated with some cancers. Even if this is not the case, Americans will benefit from the weight loss in other ways such as diabetes and heart disease prevention.
Source: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity
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Tony Alter
I thought it was very cool how you researched more about obesity after we read about it in Living Downstream. It's scary to know that 68% of Americans were overweight in 2008. Even if it isn't a cause of cancer, I agree with you when you say that Americans in general should try to cut back on the calories.
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy to think that obesity and cancer could be connected. We see a lot of cases of both but I never really thought that one could lead to another. I completely agree with you when you said that people should assume that obesity is associated with some cancers. Although that sounds weird to assume something so serious like that, but honestly weight loss could only be beneficial to you and I think with that mind set we will start to see less cases focusing on both cancer and obesity.
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