Losing weight saves lives: gastric surgery reduces cancer risk and protects DNA!

Losing weight saves lives: gastric surgery reduces cancer risk and protects DNA!

Around half of the Austrian population is labeled “overweight”, and around ten percent even have a BMI of 30 or more, which classifies them as obese. These alarming figures come from experts who recently reported on the far-reaching consequences of obesity for health at a conference in Vienna. Obesity is not only a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but also for numerous types of tumors. [Südtirol News](https://www.sued Tirolnews.it/unterstellung/wer-haette-das-gedacht/auch-abnehm-op-kann-krebsrisk-senken-und-dna-schuetzen) highlights that the connection between obesity and cancer is becoming increasingly clear. Obesity promotes, among other things, pancreatic and liver cancer in men and breast and uterine cancer in women.

But why exactly is being overweight so dangerous? Researchers recently discovered that chronic micro-inflammation caused by obesity can lead to DNA damage. Similar to laboratory animals that suffered from obesity, it has also been shown in humans that losing weight can relieve the burden on the genetic material. Interestingly, studies have shown that people who achieve significant weight losses of a quarter to a third of their body weight after bariatric gastrectomy also experience a decrease in genomic damage. This information is available, among others, from the World Health Organization.

The far-reaching effects of obesity

The discussion about obesity has become increasingly urgent in recent years. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO regional director there, warns that no country in Europe will meet targets for reducing obesity rates. Obesity may even replace smoking as the leading cause of preventable cancer in the near future, highlighting the urgency of the problem. According to the WHO, in Europe a total of 63 percent of men and 54 percent of women are overweight or obese. Another aspect that should not be neglected in this context: people with low levels of education are more affected. Krebsinformationsdienst reports that around 40 percent of all cancers can be traced back to unhealthy lifestyles and diets.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation. During this time, many people developed unhealthy eating habits and exercised less - factors that promote the increase in obesity. The WHO emphasizes that comprehensive measures are necessary to stop this development. Examples include restricting advertising for unhealthy foods and taxing sugary drinks.

A healthy lifestyle is key

So what can you do? A balanced diet that is rich in fiber and plant-based foods can not only help you lose weight, but also counteract genetic damage. The newer treatment methods, such as weight loss medications, have not yet produced sufficient results on genetic damage and the risk of cancer. The future of combating obesity and its risks will be shaped more than ever by preventative measures and a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual to take active action against obesity and the associated risks.