Obesity in women elevates risk of breast and ovarian cancer: Experts

Experts say, obesity in women raises the risk of many severe chronic diseases like diabetes, PCOS, infertility, heart diseases, and even cancer - most common being breast and ovarian cancer. This makes maintaining a healthy weight crucial. We spoke to health experts who dissect the dangers of weight gain and share tips for managing it

A hectic lifestyle where work precedes health has become a way of life for many, especially in metropolitan cities. This coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits has led to many becoming obese. Obesity in women, however, is more common.

A report published by Lancet in May 2023 states, "The prevalence of abdominal obesity in the country was found to be 40 per cent in women and 12 per cent in men. The findings show that five to six out of 10 women between the ages of 30-49 are abdominally obese. The association of abdominal obesity in women is stronger with older age groups, urban residents, wealthier sections, and non-vegetarians."

This has become a matter of concern for health experts. They say obesity in women goes beyond just heart disease or diabetes affecting their reproductive health as well. Ahead of Women's Healthy Weight Day 2024, we conversed with three medical experts to dig deep into the health impacts obesity has on women.

"Obesity is a silent disease of the modern era. It affects women from adolescence to post-menopause and triggers various physical as well as mental health conditions," says Dr Vaishali Joshi, consultant, obstetrician and gynaecologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.

Richa Shukla, chief dietician, Jehangir Hospital, Pune, says, "Excess weight puts a strain on the body, leading to a higher risk of developing chronic diseases."

"Being obese poses significant health risks for women, triggering hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation. These factors elevate the susceptibility to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers," says Dr Paritosh S Gupta, head of general and minimally invasive surgery, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram.

Obesity health risks
Shukla says, "Obesity in women can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in obese women due to insulin resistance." She lists down key health risks associated with obesity that one must be aware of.

1. Cardiovascular diseases:
Obesity increases the risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Excess weight puts strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure and higher levels of cholesterol.

2. Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat affects the body's ability to use insulin properly, leading to insulin resistance, elevated blood sugar levels, and the eventual development of diabetes.

3. Sleep apnea: Obese women are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The excess weight can contribute to the narrowing of airways and disrupt normal breathing patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and excessive daytime drowsiness.

4. Joint problems: The excess weight puts excessive stress on the joints, leading to a higher risk of developing arthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. This can result in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

These health conditions associated with obesity can significantly impact a woman's health by reducing quality of life, increasing the risk of developing other chronic diseases, and shortening overall life expectancy.

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Obesity and reproductive health
According to Joshi, being obese can give rise to multiple issues related to a woman's reproductive health. "Body fat releases excess oestrogen hormone in the body. This leads to hormonal imbalance which gets established as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This condition leads to irregular periods, heavy menstrual flow, and lack of ovulation. Few overweight women may also have difficulty conceiving and may need fertility treatment to get pregnant."

Further, Premenstrual syndrome is also a result of weight gain. In this, women develop bloating, breast pain, and mood changes.

Obesity also can have an impact on personal hygiene where women can experience repeated vulval and vaginal fungal infections.

Additionally, Gupta says, "During pregnancy, obese women face a higher likelihood of complications, including gestational diabetes (type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy in women) and preeclampsia (high blood pressure (hypertension) disorder that can occur during pregnancy), posing risks to both the mother and baby. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for optimising reproductive outcomes and ensuring a smoother pregnancy journey."

Obesity and mental health
Obesity can negatively impact women's mental health majorly due to societal pressures leading to low self-esteem. External influences, such as societal expectations on body image, can exert a negative impact on women's health. The pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards may drive unhealthy behaviours such as extreme dieting, over-exercising, or relying on unhealthy weight loss products. These practices may disrupt the body's natural balance, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies, metabolic disturbances, and psychological distress.

According to Joshi, "Obese young girls are often bullied or targeted in their adolescent or teenage periods. This can create long-term scarring on their psyche, and lead to social isolation and depression. This also causes a lack of self-confidence, negative body image and an inferiority complex in young women. Depression, anxiety disorders, Bulimia (eating disorders), and self-harm tendencies are also commonly seen."

It's important to address bullying or verbal abuse right at the school age and counsel these young girls with positive body image and "self-love" principles.

Women need to focus on self-acceptance and positivity towards their physical selves. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, participating in counselling or support groups, and adopting healthy coping mechanisms are vital. Engaging in activities that promote self-care, such as exercise, hobbies, and socialising with a supportive network, can also improve their mental well-being.

Also Read: Understanding the surge and solutions for breast cancer cases among India's youth

Making time for daily exercise
Women are always the ones who ignore their health and are seen prioritising the health of their other family members. Often, their time is consumed in balancing work and domestic chores and taking care of the family which steals from them the chance to focus on their health. In such cases, our three experts say, striking a balance is key. They recommend women squeeze in at least 30 minutes of workout into their daily routine.

Here are some ways to ensure regular physical activity:

1. Women can incorporate mini workouts into their busy schedules by breaking up physical activity into shorter bursts throughout the day.

2. This can include taking short walks during breaks, using stairs instead of elevators, or doing quick bodyweight exercises at home or in the office.

3. Engaging in enjoyable physical activities, such as dancing, gardening, or cycling, can also help ensure regular physical activity despite a busy schedule.

4. Getting up early in the morning for a morning run may be the best option. Otherwise in day-to-day routine opting for walking rather than bus or rickshaw can also help. The aim should be to do at least 10, 000 steps per day.

Ways to manage weight
Women must prioritise overall health and well-being instead of striving to achieve a specific body type or figure. Shukla says, "Women of all age groups need to understand that each person's body is unique, and comparisons to celebrities and models are often unrealistic and can be detrimental to mental health too."

Health experts stress focusing on adopting a balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition, exercise, and self-care. To maintain one's body weight, adopting physical activities such as yoga, meditation, aerobics, pilates, Zumba and gym activities, greatly help.

Follow a balanced and nutrient-rich diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Exercise portion control and mindful eating.

Consult a qualified dietician for a goal-oriented, tailored diet and a qualified physiotherapist/ fitness trainer for a well-curated exercise regime, rather than getting influenced by any online videos or fancy social media weight loss posts, and following it blindly. Doing so can be detrimental to one's health.

Common weight loss mistakes
Some common mistakes women make when attempting to maintain a healthy weight include resorting to fad diets, crash diets, skipping meals, relying on processed or fast foods, and succumbing to emotional eating.

Many times, women discontinue their efforts of weight reduction halfway due to a lack of desired results or loss of motivation. Most women also seek the support of weight loss medicines. Such medications should not be consumed without consulting a doctor. They do more harm than benefit if self-medicated. These medications can have side effects and interactions with other medications or existing health conditions. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine if weight loss medications are appropriate and safe for an individual.

Women also look for quick fixes for weight loss. While these fixes may help to achieve weight loss to some extent, they turn out to be futile in the long run and can have serious side effects.

Joshi, Shukla and Gupta also list down certain lifestyle habits that women must refrain from to manage a healthy weight.

1. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of sugary beverages and processed foods high in unhealthy fats and added sugars.

2. Get rid of sedentary behaviours and pick up regular physical activity.

3. Refrain from emotional eating or using food as a coping mechanism for stress or emotions.

4. Discontinue having Irregular meal patterns, skipping meals, or eating large portion sizes.

5. Stop giving your body insufficient rest and sleep. This can disrupt appetite-regulating hormones and lead to overeating.

Key lifestyle modifications
To ensure a healthy weight, women should focus on the following lifestyle modifications besides just eating right and exercising:

1. Manage stress levels through practices like meditation, yoga, or taking up one's hobbies.

2. Prioritise quality sleep to support overall health and weight management.

3. Consume a sufficient amount of water and other healthy, natural drinks to ensure hydration.

4. Consistency and moderation are paramount, emphasising gradual, sustainable changes for long-term success in maintaining a healthy weight.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.