Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer. Its main cause is the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV can also come from tanning booths or sunlamps. According to research, there is a relationship between melanoma and obesity.
For the scientists to be able to know if losing weight can lower the chance of developing this type of cancer, they conducted a study involving more than 2,000 individuals who had undergone weight loss surgery. As compared to the controlled subjects, those individuals who have undergone the surgery were found to have significantly 61% lower risk of developing melanoma and 42% reduced risk of developing any kind of skin cancer.
However, more research is needed to exactly determine the real connection between skin cancer and obesity. But the fact that both of these issues are on the rise – as in America nearly 38% are categorized as obese and there are almost 91,200 new cases of melanoma – the correlation seem too obvious.
How To Prevent Skin Cancer And Obesity
Some of the ways to prevent skin cancer are to use SPF and limit your time out in direct sunlight – under 20 minutes for most people. Also, seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. You should also avoid tanning beds.
On the other hand, it’s hard to prevent and lessen obesity especially if wherever we turn our gaze on, we easily find packaged foods and fast food restaurants. However, there are ways to help you combat obesity. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
Instead of animal-based fats, use vegetable-based oils. Lastly, reduce the amount of processed sugar in your diet. The overabundance of sugary, packaged foods makes our body’s insulin levels continuously go out of whack and this can cause havoc on our digestion and metabolism.
It’s Never Too Late
This new piece of evidence only shows that what we put in our bodies can directly affect the way our body look and feel inside and out. But its never too late to have a healthy lifestyle. Start doing what is right.
