(NaturalHealth365)  In a new study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a surprising revelation has emerged – unintended weight loss, typically viewed with concern for its possible health implications, has been identified as a potential early indicator of cancer.

This unexpected link adds a new layer of significance to weight fluctuations and prompts a closer examination of their role as a precursor to more serious health problems such as cancer.

Study shines a light on the connection between weight loss and cancer risk

In the study linked above, individuals experiencing a weight loss exceeding 10 percent of their body weight over the past two years faced a notably higher risk of cancer diagnosis in the subsequent 12 months as compared to those who did not undergo recent weight loss.

The research involved a staggering 157,474 participants with an average follow-up time of 28 years.  For female participants aged 40 and above, the analysis spanned from 1978 to 2016, while their male counterparts within the same age group were scrutinized from 1988 to 2016.  Notably, the study leaders classified the intentionality of weight loss based on participants’ enhancements in diet quality and physical activity.

Participants were categorized as having a “high” intentionality of weight loss if both diet quality and physical activity increased.  A “medium” categorization was assigned if either diet or physical activity increased, and “low” intentionality was determined if neither aspect experienced improvement.

Upon data analysis, a stark revelation emerged – individuals experiencing a weight reduction exceeding 10% were associated with a surge in cancer diagnoses within the subsequent 12 months, in stark contrast to those maintaining a stable weight.  The weight loss group encountered 1,362 cases of cancer, whereas the stable weight group reported 869 instances – a significant difference of 493 cases.  This compelling data sheds light on the intricate relationship between intentional weight loss and its potential role as an early indicator of cancer development.

Unintended weight loss increases the chances of specific types of cancer

The data also reveals study participants with recent weight loss were most likely to suffer upper gastrointestinal tract cancer.  To be more specific, upper gastrointestinal tract cancer includes the following:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Biliary tract cancer
• Liver cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Stomach cancer

Those who suffered unintentional weight loss were also more likely to suffer hematological weight loss, including multiple myeloma, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Unintended weight loss is also likely to cause lung and colorectal cancer.  However, rapid weight loss has no correlation or causation to a higher risk of other types of cancer, such as melanoma and brain and breast cancer.

Try these tips to maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall well-being and can contribute to a lower risk of various health conditions.  Incorporating these practical tips into your lifestyle can help you achieve and sustain a healthy weight:

Increase your healthy (organic) protein and fat intake to build and maintain muscle mass.  Incorporate weight lifting sessions into your exercise routine to offset the inevitable weight loss triggered by aerobic activities like jogging.  If you unintentionally lose weight while maintaining your workout routine and dietary habits, reach out to a holistic physician or health coach for assistance.

Stress reduction, optimal sleep, and minimization of caffeine intake also helps to maintain a healthy weight.  Above all, go to great lengths to carefully plan food intake.  Select organic foods rich in nutrients along with sufficient calories and the balance will help maintain your preferred weight.

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Sources for this article include:

JAMAnetwork.com
Studyfinds.org