(NaturalHealth365)  Obesity is a prevalent issue affecting a substantial portion of the global population, particularly in Western countries.  Among those grappling with obesity and its related chronic diseases, a noteworthy percentage comprises children.  In addition to reduced quality of life, obesity in early adolescents increases the risk for diabetes and a host of other diseases.  To make matters worse, researchers in Sweden have recently discovered a link between childhood obesity and over 17 types of cancer.

The risk factors for cancer in obese individuals have been known for some time, but this study uncovers a specifically troubling link between childhood obesity and long-term ill health.  Let’s look at the study to better understand the factors and what you can do to mitigate those risks.

Study unveils childhood obesity’s shadow on long-term cancer risks

Undoubtedly, obesity at any life stage escalates the risk of various cancers.  Metabolic disorders linked to excess body fat, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, trigger inflammatory responses and systemic dysfunctions that foster cancer development.

The Swedish study focused on the enduring impact of childhood obesity, suggesting that the longer a child grapples with obesity, the more pronounced the associated risk factors become.

How excess body fat fuels the cancer flame

The study examined over 1.1 million men who had enlisted in the Swedish military since 1965.  Researchers noted BMI on intake health screenings for military participants ages 18 to 25 and tracked their health progress for 31 years.

The study discounted any participants who had a history of cancer within the preceding five years of enlistment or the following five years of enlistment.

The data collected from the results of the study indicated a linear relationship between a higher BMI at the time of enlistment with the development of over 17 different types of cancer, including but not limited to gastroesophageal type cancers, central nervous system tumors, cancers of the lung, thyroid, biliary tract, prostate, and malignant melanoma.

The results were then further distilled by determining risk factors such as smoking or other carcinogenic exposure, and the results still stayed the same – obesity during childhood measured by higher BMI is linear with the risk factors for cancer later on in life.

Researchers in the study also found a link between high BMI in childhood and lower cognitive ability and memory problems later on in life.  There’s no doubt that obesity, while being a problematic condition in a general health sense, is a major trigger for cancer cell growth – especially the longer you have this condition.

Don’t believe the hype! Navigating the deceptive terrain of supermarket health claims

Supermarkets are stocked with products flaunting health claims, but the reality is most undergo processes that strip away their nutritional value.  Following the age-old advice of navigating the store’s periphery proves wise, leading you to unaltered organic produce, grass fed meat, wild caught fish, and pasture raised poultry – as your healthiest choices.

However, the real challenge lies in understanding the impact of added sugars, which is intimately connected to the obesity surge since the 1970s.  Our bodies struggle to metabolize the daily sugar intake prevalent in modern diets, emphasizing the urgency of minimizing added sugars in our quest for better health.

Prevent childhood obesity by creating a healthy haven – beyond diet and exercise

In addition to regular exercise and a balanced organic diet, it’s crucial to address overlooked risk factors contributing to childhood obesity.  Environmental toxins, often found in non-organic foods, landscaping chemicals, household cleaning, and personal care products, can disrupt hormones and hinder weight loss.

Similarly, poor sleep quality induced by excessive screen time on phones and computers poses a significant threat to hormonal balance and weight management.  Creating a home environment that prioritizes proper sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and fresh, organic, nutritious meals lays the foundation for a healthier and more enjoyable future for your children.

Sources for this article include:

Studyfinds.org
Onlinelibrary.wiley.com