Although the association between excessive body weight and an increased risk of cancer has been know for a long time, new research has shed more light on a mechanism behind the link.

The study was conducted by specialists from Michigan State University who investigated the hormone called leptin which is found in fat tissue and regulates body energy.

Leptin levels are elevated in obese people, and the research has found that, at higher concentrations, the hormone induces precancerous colon cells to produce more of a growth factor that can increase blood supply to the cells and promote tumor growth and progression.

“Abdominal fat in particular seems to be associated with the greatest risk for cancer,” says Jenifer Fenton, an MSU food science and human nutrition researcher with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.

“As your waist-to-hip ratio increases, so does your risk for cancer, especially breast, colon and endometrial cancers,” she adds.
Those who would like to lose and subsequently maintain a healthy weight may consider the alkaline diet.

It is rich in citrus fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts and legumes and it has the added benefit of enhancing bone health into old age.