Recent studies by Cancer Research has shown that still many people are not aware that obesity can lead to cancer. A large percentage of individuals questioned believed that the only reason to lose weight was to look good.
It is thought that obesity increases the risk of bowel, stomach, esophageal and kidney, womb
and breast cancers. It is likely that cancer is triggered not by excess body fat but by the increased amount of toxins etc. (which lead to free radicals) that are consumed by people that are overweight/obese.
People are generally aware of the effect of obesity on heart problems, but many do not realize the link with
cancer.
As a result of their research Cancer Research UK has now linked up with the charity Weight Concern to offer a simple weight management program, which has advice about eating a healthy and balanced diet and building regular exercise into daily life.
The Cancer Research UK website (http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/tentoptips/)
now offers these top ten tips to weight loss:
- 1. Keep to your meal routine. Try to eat at roughly the same times each day, whether this is two or five times a day.
- 2. Go reduced fat. Choose reduced fat versions of foods such as dairy products, spreads and salad dressings where you can. Use them sparingly as some can still be high in fat.
- 3. Walk off the weight. Walk 10,000 steps (about 60-90 minutes of moderate activity) each day. You can use a pedometer to help count the steps. You can break up your walking over the day.
- 4. Pack a healthy snack. If you snack, choose a healthy option such as fresh fruit or low calorie yogurt instead of chocolate or crisps.
- 5. Look at the labels. Be careful about food claims. Check the fat and sugar content on food labels when shopping and preparing food.
- 6. Caution with your portions. Don’t heap food on your plate (except vegetables). Think twice before having second helpings.
- 7. Up on your feet. Break up your sitting time. Stand up for ten minutes out of every hour.
- 8. Think about your drinks. Choose water or sugar-free squashes. Unsweetened fruit juice contains natural sugar so limit it to 1 glass per day (200ml / 1/3 pint). Alcohol is high in calories; try to limit the amount you drink.
- 9. Focus on your food. Slow down. Don’t eat on the go or while watching TV. Eat at a table if possible.
- 10. Don’t forget your 5 a day. Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day (400g in total).
Follow these steps and you should lose weight, and live a longer healthier and happier life !