While many of us continue to battle the bulge to shape up for the season, losing the extra weight might also help reduce the risk of cancer.  A recent study by Dr. Nicolas Christou of McGill University suggests that weight loss surgery for obese patients in particular lowered the risk of developing cancer by as much as 80 percent. 

The results were presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery in June 2008, and may be a strong enough reason for obese patients to finally go under the knife. Dr. Christou explains that, "The relationship between obesity and many forms of cancer is well established…this is one of the first studies to suggest that bariatric surgery might prevent the risk of cancer for a significant percentage of morbidly obese people." (Source: McGill University News)

The High Price of Obesity

Being extremely overweight takes its toll on the health and well-being of thousands of people around the globe, and the obesity ‘epidemic’ is more prevalent in Western countries where fast food, processed snacks and sugary soda are mainstays of the weekly diet. Unhealthy food and an inactive lifestyle can contribute to rapid weight gain, and maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle leads to significant weight increases over the course of a lifetime.

Common side effects of excess weight include:

• Fatigue
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea
• High blood pressure
• Cardiac problems  

Obese individuals are also at risk for heart attacks, high cholesterol and several other health conditions that affect the heart, lungs and circulatory system. Correcting eating habits as early as possible is one way to prevent obesity, but those who have gained in excess of 100 pounds may be good candidates for weight loss surgery.  

The Link Between Weight Loss and Cancer  

There is now increasing evidence that excess weight can increase the risk of developing cancers including:  

• Breast cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Esophegeal cancer
• Colon cancer  

Dr. Christou confirms that “excess body fat is widely thought to be responsible for increased hormone production, a major risk factor for breast and colon cancer. Thus so modifications to the patient's hormonal metabolism due to weight loss might explain the lower incidence of these cancers in patients who underwent surgery.”  

Weight Loss Surgery Options for Obese Patients  

Today’s innovative fat removal and weight reduction methods can help many people suffering from obesity take control of their weight problem and enjoy a longer, healthier life. 

Weight loss surgery options today include:  

Gastric Bypass Surgery – the surgical reduction of the size of the stomach to reduce the amount of food ingested and absorbed

Gastric Banding Surgery – the reduction of the stomach size using an adjustable band that controls the amount of food the stomach can hold at any given time. 

Nutritional Therapy – a combination of a calorie-restricted diet and behavior modification to initiate weight loss over a period of time

Weight Loss Counseling – behavior modification and nutritional counseling that encourages safe and healthy weight loss on a weekly basis. Counseling may also be a part of the post-treatment plan after gastric bypass or gastric banding surgery.  

Learn more about weight loss surgery in our information guide, or consult with a bariatric surgeon in your area to find out if gastric bypass or other weight loss programs are a good match for you.