While the exact link
between being overweight and getting cancer are not precisely
known, researchers recommend that losing weight can reduce the
chance of a specific cancer. In women, post-menopausal breast
cancer is prevalent amongst women who experience a surge in
weight gain, triggering unusual hormonal changes.
According
to the latest nutritional guidelines of the American Cancer
Society, (ACS), there is more of a need to control weight
than previously determined. The director of nutrition and
physical activity, co-author of the ACS new guidelines, Colleen
Doyle, MS, RD contends that although there is now evidence
showing how losing weight can lower the risk for post-menopausal
breast cancer.
As a
result, the new finding depicts that keeping weight could
be the best lifestyle preventative against cancer. The ACS
utilizes the body mass index (BMI) to benchmark a healthy
weight. The body mass index BMI is calculated based on an
individualÕs weight and weight. The ideal BMI target ranges
between 18.5 and 24.9. Body mass indices from 25 to 29.9 are
deemed as overweight. Obesity is defined as a BMI over 30.
In the
realm of nutrition, a well-rounded diet, predominant plant-based
foods and portion control is the basics to maintaining a healthy
weight. Obviously, deep-fried, processed and fast foods lack
nutritional sustenance.
Based
on the amount of food being consumed coupled with the sedentary
lives of many Americans, the American Cancer Society, (ACS)
has upped the ante on physical fitness. Latter guidelines
recommended only 30 minutes of daily cumulative exercise (walking,
climbing stairs and other fitness programs).
However,
the ACS has rewritten the objectives, saying that a minimum
of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise at least five
days a week is far more better. In fact, 45-60 minutes of
physical activity five days a week should be the ultimate
goal.
