Recently, the International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC] concluded in addition to the original list of cancers known to be linked to extra pounds on the human frame [colon, uterus, esophagus, kidney and breast in postmenopausal women], the list now includes eight more:  stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, ovary, thyroid, multiple myeloma [cancer of white blood cells in the bone marrow], and meningioma [cancer of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord].

The study stated excess body fat had the largest impact on the risk of esophageal and uterine cancers.  In the case of breast and colon cancers, even a small increase in body fat makes a difference.  Extra weight appears to cause a cascade of consequences including: altered sex hormone levels, chronic inflammation, and elevated insulin levels…all suspected of playing a role in the development of cancers.

What can one do to lower these risks?  Simply put, if you are over weight, eat less…mostly plants.  Make sure half your plate is filled with produce, 1/4 is filled with starch, and make the protein source a condiment taking up no more than the last quarter of the plate.

We can do this!