The shocking trend causing 13 kinds of cancer (it’s not cigarettes)

In 1964, the U.S. Surgeon General made it official: cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. Although smoking rates have dropped by more than half since then, cigarettes are still the reason for one out of three cancer deaths.

That’s about to change, but not for a good reason.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of all cancers in people age 65 and younger between 2005 and 2014 were associated with a health condition that is fast becoming far more of a problem than smoking…

And, experts predict that this epidemic will soon overtake smoking as the leading cause of cancer deaths in adults, teens and children.

A lethal trend

In 2018, despite everything we know about the importance of eating wholesome, non-artificial, nutrient-rich foods,  more than one-third of adults in the United States are obese. Based on present trends, this number will reach nearly fifty percent by the year 2030, just twelve years from now.

Other countries have begun to take action against their own tidal wave of obesity, particularly when it comes to children. They’re hoping to prevent a population full of diabetics and heart attack victims.

But there’s even more they should be worried about…

Obesity and cancer: a direct link

In a comprehensive review of over 1,000 studies, the World Health Organization has found solid evidence that being overweight or obese increases a person’s risk for at least 13 types of cancer.

The review, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, actually added to previous evidence linking obesity to breast, colorectal, esophageal, uterine and kidney cancers.

Add these to the list of cancers associated with excess fat:

• Gastric cardia (a cancer of the part of the stomach closest to the esophagus)
• Liver cancer
• Gall bladder cancer
• Pancreatic cancer (one of the cruelest, fastest-killing cancers)
• Thyroid cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Meningioma (a type of brain tumor)
• Multiple myelomas (a blood cancer)

Women are especially vulnerable

Since obesity is associated with chronic inflammation and metabolic abnormalities, the link to cancer makes sense. But for women, the risk is increased because hormones come into play.

Uterine cancer was most strongly associated with obesity, as was estrogen-receptor breast cancer, the type affecting 85% of breast cancer patients.

So how can you start losing weight?

It’s time to stop thinking of being overweight or obese as a cosmetic problem. Clearly, it’s a medical emergency if you want to avoid cancer.

Knowing that you’re saving your life can help you overcome any self-consciousness about diet and exercise.

Before starting a serious weight-loss program, you should get the go-ahead from your doctor. Make sure there are no health restrictions you need to follow regarding food or physical activity.

Once you’ve got the all-clear, here are some pointers to get you started and keep you motivated. Some of them may surprise you!

Eat a big breakfast. Starting the day with a warm, high-protein meal can fill you up and help you feel less hungry later.

Keep a photo diary.  This may seem weird, but it works. By the end of a busy day, you may not remember exactly what you ate for breakfast. Having a record of it can help you know how to adjust the remainder of your eating. It can also let you repeat a meal that really satisfied you!

Use an app. This isn’t for everyone, but it might help you. Apps like My Fitness Pal help track your eating and exercise and hold yourself accountable.

Arrange your fridge for success. Place fruits and vegetables at eye level, not hidden in a drawer. Keep healthy snacks within easy reach in your pantry.

Plan ahead. This may seem obvious, but without it, you’re bound to fail. Have all your meal ingredients at hand. If you cook for a family, think about how your eating plan will fit into their meal. Don’t leave it to chance!

Don’t go it alone. For some people, this means Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig.  For others, it’s a small group of friends with similar weight-loss goals. You’ll get both accountability and encouragement from doing this with other people.

Outsmart your inner critic. When you ‘fall off the wagon,’ pretend it’s a friend who’s done it. Sit down and write your friend a letter of encouragement. Then read it aloud. It will drown out that unkind voice in your head.

Swim. You don’t have to be a great swimmer to get the full-body benefits of some time in the pool. Swimming puts no stress on your joints and gives you a full-body workout, as well as aerobic exercise.