Weight loss can cut breast cancer risk
29 May 2012
Even moderate weight loss in overweight or obese women who are not taking hormone replacement therapy can reduce levels of circulating sex hormones that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
US researchers looked at 439 overweight-to-obese women, aged 50-75 years, who were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups: exercise only, diet only, exercise plus diet and no intervention.
The randomised controlled trial found that weight loss significantly reduced female sex hormones, including oesterone and oestradiol (types of oestrogen). Oestrone levels decreased 9.6 per cent with diet and 11.1 per cent with diet plus exercise, while oestradiol levels decreased by 16.2 per cent with diet and 20.3 per cent with diet plus exercise.
"Based on previous research, our results suggest that losing just 5 per cent or more of one's weight could cut by a quarter to a half the risk for the most common, oestrogen-sensitive breast cancers," they said.
Last Reviewed: 29 May 2012
- Campbell KL, Foster-Schubert KE, Alfano CM, et al. Reduced-calorie dietary weight loss, exercise, and sex hormones in postmenopausal women: randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol 2012; online 21 May.
Sponsored links
Advertisement
Related Articles
Breast cancer prevention
Related Tools
Breast Cancer Risk Test Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
