Local Health Alert: Bariatric surgeon links obesity to breast cancer; says healthy habits are key to prevention – WATN – Local 24

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) Research showsthat a third of the U.S. population is obese. Here in the Mid-South, it affectsnearly 40% of us. But, did you know that obesity is directly linked to BreastCancer?

While researcherscant pin-point a direct cause, they say factors of the disease may be toblame.

Dr. Delenya Allensaid, Obesity is a disease. Its not a cosmetic problem. Its a healthproblem.

Dr. Allen is abariatric surgeon at Saint Francis Hospital, and she explains that the increasein fat cells caused by obesity can increase inflammation and release hormoneslike estrogen.

She said,Overexposure of estrogen, in any form, whether it is in hormonereplacement therapy or if it is within our fat cells, actually increases therisk of Breast Cancer.

If youreunfamiliar, hormone replacement therapy is the use of increased estrogen torelieve symptoms of menopause or Osteoporosis.

As for obesityprevention, and ultimately Breast Cancer prevention, Allen says healthy habitsare key.

Consider alow-fat diet and plenty of exercise.

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Local Health Alert: Bariatric surgeon links obesity to breast cancer; says healthy habits are key to prevention - WATN - Local 24