Obesity seems to be linked with most illnesses and ailments, and the continued message from right across the board of scientists and researchers is that losing weight can only be good for you if you are currently obese.
Now, obesity can also be linked to the most common type of breast cancer (as can the other demons of drinking and smoking). It is believed to be because obesity is closely connected with hormone levels in women after the menopause: the higher the hormone level post-menopause, the greater the risk of breast cancer.
Researchers looked at around 6,000 women and asked about their weight, age, smoking and drinking habits. The women did not have breast cancer. Their hormone levels were tested and found to be higher in women who were obese, and in women who drank more than two-and-a-half units of alcohol a day, and in those who drank 15+ cigarettes per day. If those lifestyle factors can increase the levels of hormones, said the researchers, then they are bad news for those hoping to avoid breast cancer, which is caused by higher levels of hormones.
There are other factors involved in the development of breast cancer, like physical exercise and the type of diet consumed, but these were not examined in the study.
The overall, take-home message of the research was, as always, lose excess weight and cut down on smoking and drinking alcohol.
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