Understanding the Connection Between Obesity and Cancer

For us the word cancer evokes panic and fear of imminent death, whenever someone close is diagnosed with cancer we are shocked. All cancers though are not the same; a great majority can be cured when caught early. And then there are types associated with predisposing medical conditions. We normally picture cancer patients as thin, worn out, barely able to eat, in pain, and a state of constant dread. This may be true to a large extent. However many recently diagnosed cancer patients are overweight and even obese.

Obesity as a Major Risk Factor

You will be surprised to know that obesity is a major risk factor for many cancers, so much so that it is considered to be second only to smoking, the most common one. Here are a few well-known facts, for example, obesity in women increases the risk of Breast cancer fourfold, uterine and ovarian cancer 5 fold, obese men and women are much more prone to cancers of the esophagus, colon, gall bladder, and thyroid, and many more.

Challenges in Diagnosing Cancer in Obese Patients

Not only does Cancer occur more in obese, but it is also more difficult to diagnose early. A lump may remain hidden in fat for a long time. The imaging and tests are less reliable in bulky and are less sensitive making it difficult to pick even a moderate size tumor. Severely obese even cannot be accommodated in a standard-size CT scanner. Secondly, it is diagnosed at a more advanced stage, so is difficult to treat, and the surgery becomes riskier and limited in scope for serious obesity. Radiation and chemotherapy likewise are needed in larger doses resulting in more side effects and morbidity.

The Importance of Managing Weight

So it is all the more important to keep weight in check and treat serious obesity early. Bariatric surgery with its long long-lasting and superior results is the best way to lose weight in suitably selected patients. Bariatric surgery`s benefits compound with time and are consistent with lifelong health and happiness.

The Dangers of Overfeeding: Mohammed’s Journey Through Bariatric Surgery

Mohammed’s Early Years

Mohammed is an 18 year boy from Afghanistan, he is shy, simple, has an easy smile, and is full of life. As a toddler he grew up active and playful, he was 15 kgs when he was 4. Then he steadily started gaining weight. Slowly but relentlessly, he over-grew. At 15 years he was 115 kgs at 5 feet 6. Very very obese indeed. When he came to us 3 years later, he could barely walk, sleep only sitting, sweat all day, and couldn’t speak without losing breath. He had become a giant, he weighed a huge 185 kgs at a BMI of 71.

Understanding the Cause of Obesity: Overfeeding

His tests for genetic or hormonal problem came out normal. We looked into his life history, didn’t have much clue about he being so obese. On further questioning we found that Mohammed was born after eight sisters but he was born normal, a precious male child. Hence he was fed too much with food, love and affection by his doting mother and sisters. We have this gender issue in this part of the world, a male child is the preferred one, he is the natural heir, is supposed to look after parents in old age, and fetch dowry. Hence he was pampered. Initially, he must have resisted but later on, yielded to pressure and temptations of calorie rich sumptuous food. As it happens, his sense of satiety slowly got blunted and he could eat all day without feeling full, a condition known as hyperphagia. He was suffering from what I call the curse of overfeeding.

The Bariatric Surgery Experience

Mohammed underwent a difficult Bariatric surgery, he was kept on ventilator support for the next three days, before he could breath on his own. he made a slow recovery. Our psychologists and nutritionists mean while gave counselling sessions to Mohammed and his mother regarding his feeding and after-care.
Two weeks later they returned home.

A New Beginning

Mohammed did well, 2 months later he had lost 21 kgs , now he could walk without help, and sleep undisturbed.
Five months later he had joined back his elementary school which he had left years ago owing to his crippling obesity. He was well on his way to return to a normal life. Then we lost contact with them.we hope and pray the parents haven’t gone back to their old ways.

The Impact of Misplaced Love

This story of Bariatric surgery is unique, so many times our misplaced love can ruin our children’s life. Our myths and false beliefs, force us to overfeed them. An over weight child is likely to become obese adult, will suffer from premature ageing diabetes hypertension, heart diseases and more.

Guidelines for Preventing Overfeeding

Now how much is good enough for our children, is a contentious issue, but here are some simple rules of thumb. If we follow them we are going do well.

Avoid Overfeeding

There is a natural tendency to overfeed children. We are always worried if we are feeding them enough, so if in doubt stop.

Respect Toddler’s Satiety Signals

Toddlers by and large have a well developed sense of feeling full, and stop as soon as they lose interest in their meal.

Feed on Demand

Feed on demand is the ideal way, like all ideals difficult to follow. But worth pursuing.

Be Mindful of Pre-School Children’s Diet

Pre-school children are at risk of obesity more than ever before. they get bored easily. Do not feed to appease, reward, or pacify your children with snacks. it creates an unhealthy craving for snacks.

Limit Sweets and Chocolates

Give them sweets and chocolate strictly only “once a week”.

Portion Control: Avoid Overfeeding

Don’t push the food around on their plates and don’t force them to finish what you give them. Don’t overfill their plates and ask them to finish every time, instead serve a smaller portion and refill.

What you can hold in your palm is a good enough portion to star with.

Monitor Weight Gain

If your child is gaining weight steadily, her clothes are getting short instead of tight at the waste, bravo !! You have done well.