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Obesity in women elevates risk of breast and ovarian cancer: Experts
Updated On: 04 February, 2024 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Aakanksha Ahire
Experts say, obesity in women raises the risk of many severe chronic diseases like diabetes, PCOS, infertility, heart diseases, and even cancer – most common being breast and ovarian cancer. This makes maintaining a healthy weight crucial. We spoke to health experts who dissect the dangers of weight gain and share tips for managing it
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Being obese poses significant health risks for women. It elevates the susceptibility to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Photo Courtesy: iStock
Experts say, obesity in women raises the risk of many severe chronic diseases like diabetes, PCOS, infertility, heart diseases, and even cancer – most common being breast and ovarian cancer. This makes maintaining a healthy weight crucial. We spoke to health experts who dissect the dangers of weight gain and share tips for managing it
A hectic lifestyle where work precedes health has become a way of life for many, especially in metropolitan cities. This coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits has led to many becoming obese. Obesity in women, however, is more common.
A report published by Lancet in May 2023 states, “The prevalence of abdominal obesity in the country was found to be 40 per cent in women and 12 per cent in men. The findings show that five to six out of 10 women between the ages of 30-49 are abdominally obese. The association of abdominal obesity in women is stronger with older age groups, urban residents, wealthier sections, and non-vegetarians.”
This has become a matter of concern for health experts. They say obesity in women goes beyond just heart disease or diabetes affecting their reproductive health as well. Ahead of Women’s Healthy Weight Day 2024, we conversed with three medical experts to dig deep into the health impacts obesity has on women.
“Obesity is a silent disease of the modern era. It affects women from adolescence to post-menopause and triggers various physical as well as mental health conditions,” says Dr Vaishali Joshi, consultant, obstetrician and gynaecologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
Richa Shukla, chief dietician, Jehangir Hospital, Pune, says, “Excess weight puts a strain on the body, leading to a higher risk of developing chronic diseases.”
“Being obese poses significant health risks for women, triggering hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation. These factors elevate the susceptibility to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers,” says Dr Paritosh S Gupta, head of general and minimally invasive surgery, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram.
Obesity health risks
Shukla says, “Obesity in women can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in obese women due to insulin resistance.” She lists down key health risks associated with obesity that one must be aware of.
1. Cardiovascular diseases:
Obesity increases the risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Excess weight puts strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure and higher levels of cholesterol.
2. Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat affects the body`s ability to use insulin properly, leading to insulin resistance, elevated blood sugar levels, and the eventual development of diabetes.
3. Sleep apnea: Obese women are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The excess weight can contribute to the narrowing of airways and disrupt normal breathing patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and excessive daytime drowsiness.
4. Joint problems: The excess weight puts excessive stress on the joints, leading to a higher risk of developing arthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. This can result in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
These health conditions associated with obesity can significantly impact a woman`s health by reducing quality of life, increasing the risk of developing other chronic diseases, and shortening overall life expectancy.
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