If youre reading this article, youre likely part of the one percent club. That is, the one (and a half) percent of Americans who are clinically underweight. The number, no surprise, has shrunk over the past several decades as more and more of people pack on pounds and head in the opposite directionmore than 71.6 percent of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, according to the CDC.

Its not easy being a minority in the world of weight. Its important to understand there are people out there who are underweight and find it as difficult to gain weight as others do to lose it, says nutrition and weight expert W. Scott Butsch, M.D., the director of obesity medicine in the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. There is a stigma on both sides.

Moreover, whether your low weight is due to lifestyle, illness or physiological factors, falling below a healthy number on the scale has its own set of health risks. Under-fueling your body can impact immune function, bone health, skin and muscle strength, says Julie Stefanski, R.D.N., a registered dietitian in Morrisville, North Carolina, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Individuals who dont meet their minimum calorie needs may feel fatigued, moody and pick up colds more frequently. In fact, she says, people who carry a few extra pounds as they age are likely to live longer than those who are underweight.

If you want to put on pounds the healthy way, youve come to the right place. The first step is to figure out the causes of your weight issuesthe next step is to address them. Start here.

Regardless of the reason, if your body mass index (BMI)or your weight-to-height ratiodips below a certain point, doctors will consider you to be medically underweight.

The exact formula to calculate your BMI is: weight in pounds/(height in inches)x 703

A BMI of 18.5 or less is considered underweight, says Alicia Romano, R.D., a registered dietitian at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Of course, BMI does not take into account a number of factors, including age, muscle mass or bone structure, so it should not be the only marker used to assess weight status.(Your doctor will likely also take into account your weight history and body composition.)

So what might cause your weight to dip below an 18.5 BMI? Everything from lifestyle choices to your individual physiology could play a role. These are some variables doctors will consider:

A switch from a meat-based diet to veganism or another type of restricted food plan might cause you to not consume enough calories in the day.

Deliberately restricting calories based on a desire to drop poundseven if you are already at or below a normal weightcan result in a low BMI.

Elite athletes, especially those who compete in endurance events like marathon running and cycling, may weigh less or have lower BMIs than the general public guidelines because of the physical demands of their sport.

Serious illnesses such as cancer can result in unexpected weight loss for several reasons, including decreased appetite and smell/taste due to chemo, mouth sores that make chewing and swallowing painful, stomach/intestinal pain due to tumor location or medication and more.

This group of disorders causes your body to mistakenly attack itself, wreaking havoc on your gut, joints and overall energy levels.

Sometimes characterized as an autoimmune or immune-mediated disease, chronic conditions like Crohns and ulcerative colitis affect your GI tract, with symptoms that can include ulcers in your intestinal lining, diarrhea and difficulty absorbing the nutrients from the foods you eat. IBD and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) both may reduce the bodys ability to digest and absorb food properlyplus, uncomfortable symptoms related to eating and dietary restrictions may pose an increased risk of weight loss, says Romano.

While eat more calories than you burn is a valid strategy for the majority of underweight people, it doesnt work for everyone. There are people who are underweight and find it difficult to gain because of the way their body regulates fat, explains Dr. Butsch. They have a physiological response to weight gain, where their body increases its metabolism and decreases a persons interest in food, all in an attempt to drive weight back down to where it was.

What youve likely heard about: Obesity leads to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and more. What you may not know: Being underweight can cause bone loss, osteoporosis, low energy, constant fatigue, irritability and trouble conceiving. It can also lead to a loss in muscle mass and trouble with your immune system, raising your risk for things like colds and the flu, says Dr. Butsch.

For women, the fallout from being underweight is highlighted with a handful of fertility issues, including amenorrhea (missed or irregular periods) and trouble getting pregnant. Blame it on an appetite-regulating hormone called leptin. Leptin is secreted by fat cells in the body and communicates with your brain to tell it how much body fat you have, says Dr. Butsch. When women become too thin, fat cells shrink and secrete less leptin, signaling to the brain that there is less fat stored, which is not optimal for reproduction. Realizing that a woman may not have enough body fat to safely carry a baby to term, the body essentially shuts down the ability to get pregnant.

Related: 66 Ways to Boost Your Immune System Right Now

Your goal when youre trying to gain weight isnt to house a whole fruitcake in one sitting, but rather, to sneak in a couple hundred extra calories here and few more there, in a way that feels manageable and sustainable.

A little bit of calorie math: One pound of body weight is equal (more or less) to 3,500 calories. So if you eat 500 additional calories a day, youll gain about a pound a week. As a general rule, start by adding an extra 250 to 500 calories per day on top of your current intake, says Stefanski. If this doesnt lead to weight gain, calories should continue to be increased. It can be a little overwhelming trying to calculate your caloric needs for every meal, and every person is slightly different. A registered dietitian can help you work out a weekly meal plan for optimal weight gain.

A bag of potato chips may tip the scale, but it lacks the quality nutrition youd get from foods that are part of a more balanced approach, like the so-called Mediterranean diet (see: whole-wheat pasta tossed with olive oil). Overall, says Romano, your goal should be to include foods that are both nutrient- and calorie-rich.

The foods here can serve as building blocks or add-ins to increase the caloric content of any meal:

Certain snacks, or ingredients you add to existing snacks, can help you push your daily calorie total up. Think about it like this: If you add one tablespoon of oil, two tablespoons of peanut butter and an ounce of full-fat cheese to your daily snacks, you will incorporate an extra 400 calories per day from those small changes alone, says Romano.

These healthy snack choices for weight gain, suggested by the Cleveland Clinic, weigh in around 400-600 calories:

Related: Delicious Peanut Butter & Bacon Burger Recipe

High-calorie drinks can be an effective strategy for weight gain, says Dr. Butsch, but liquids can make you feel full, so be sure your choices are not interfering with your appetite for your actual meal. Look for drinks that have at least 250 caloriesand 10 grams of protein per bottle, Romano suggests. Here are some options:

While sodas can have 250 or more calories a serving, they are high in sugar and low in protein, so they arent ideal from a nutritional standpoint.

When your weight drops below a healthy level, you dont just lose fat, you lose muscle mass. That can be dangerousyour muscles support your bones, and without enough muscle strength, the load on your bones can lead to issues like stress fractures.

Protein is the building block for muscle growth, and protein powder, a nutritional supplement, can help support your muscles when you are low on calories. You can add it to shakes, fold it into pancake batter, stir it into mashed potatoes or sprinkle it on vegetable dishes.

But buyer beware: Protein powders are not FDA-regulated, meaning the quality of contents may vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next. Whats more, certain protein powders, which are often made from whey, soy or casein protein, can contain excessive sugar (avoid those), while a 2019 study from the national consumer safety group Clean Label Project found some powders contain high levels of toxins, including pesticides, arsenic and mercury.

If you do decide to add protein powder to your daily diet, talk with a dietician about which ones are best. And remember, while protein powder can be beneficial for building muscles, if minimal calorie needs arent met, protein powder will do nothing special to promote weight gain, says Stefanski.

Related: Should You Take Collagen Supplements?

Lets assume youve maxed out on your whole food options for gaining weight. If the needles still not moving, its time to break out the blender. Making a homemade shake or smoothie with high-calorie ingredients andpotentiallya protein powder can be helpful, acknowledges Romano.

Prioritize calories over protein: Research shows your body can only absorb around 30 grams of protein at a time, anyway. Milk, yogurt, soy milk and peanut butter are already rich sources of protein and great ingredients to incorporate in a homemade shake, says Romano. Once youve added those, protein powder could be overkill.

If you dont have time to whip up your own beverage, you can buy these ready-made protein shakes at the store to gain healthy weight. They are easy to pack and drink on the go:

You dont need to make major changes to your favorite dishes in order to gain weightsmall tweaks can increase calories. For any meal, think about how you can boost the calorie content by adding a nutrient-dense option to it, says Stefanski.Start with these twists on popular meals:

Related: How to Improve Your Gut Health

It might sound counterintuitive that you should work out to gain weight. Isnt that what people trying to drop pounds do? But heres the thing: Because muscle loss is such a worry with people who are underweight, its key that as you put on pounds, you also focus on strengthening your body to support it.

You may have heard that to build bigger muscles, you need to lift bigger weights. But recent research suggests that may not be the case: A study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that exercisers were able to build the same amount of muscle mass, regardless of how heavy their weights were, as long as they did each move to exhaustion.

Moderate cardiovascular exercise is also important in an overall healthy diet plan, as it helps your body digest food and keeps systems regular. Activities like walking or swimming will get your heart rate up and blood pumping. If youre looking for inspiration, there are numerous fitness apps that suggest workouts you can do at home.

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With any luck, following these suggestions will put you on the path to healthy weight gain. If youre still struggling, dont give up. Every person responds differently, says Dr. Butsch. Maybe you need to eat smaller meals, but more frequently. Or maybe you need to take in more calories through liquid nutrition. Trial and errorand communicating with your healthcare providerwill eventually help you find a strategy that works.

Looking for a place to start? Try your hand at these healthy ground chicken recipes.

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How to Gain Healthy Weight Fast: What Foods to Eat to Gain Weight - Parade

Our body weight depends a lot on our daily meal plan. So, our diet has to be healthy enough which includes all important nutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. It gives the feeling of satiety thus aiding in weight loss.

But why is it important to have a strict 7-day meal plan and how to make it? Heres all you need to know about it for eating healthy and losing weight.

How to make a 7-day meal plan?

What to include and what not in a 7-day meal plan?

Include lot of fibre and proteins: Fibre and proteins keep you fuller for a long time and reduce the sudden hunger pangs.

Limit processed foods and added sugar: These are all calories without any nutrients. They cannot work on the fullness part of our brain and makes us gain more weight.

Include veggies and fruits: Fruits and veggies are rich in water content, fibre and antioxidants. Having enough fruits and veggies will provide you with the right amount of important nutrients.

Tips to make a healthy 7 meal plan:

1.Plan a meal that suits your routine for every day. If you like to cook each day individually then go for it. And if you like to cook on weekends for the entire week, then plan it accordingly and set your portions.

2.You can also use apps to plan your meal and keep a check on your diet regularly. Taking help from an app is always good for diet maintaining.

3.Always pick different recipes as it might get boring to eat the same meals each day. So, dont forget to bring variety.

4.Snacks are important in every meal plan. So, keep them in mind always.

5.For variety, always include easy recipes that are fast to make like home-made pizza, salad, soups, pasta, baked fish or meat, etc.

How to plan 7-day meal?

For Monday:

Breakfast- Oats with chis seeds, milk, berries, pumpkin seeds, etc.

Lunch- Salad with avocado, basil and tomatoes, eggs and brown rice.

Snacks- Smoothies with your favourite fruits.

Dinner- Baked chicken with a salad of spinach, mushrooms, peppers, etc.

For Tuesday:

Breakfast- Smoothies with kale, banana, cherries, milk, flax seeds, protein powder, etc.

Lunch- Salad with cucumber, bell pepper, olives, corn, tomatoes, roasted chickpeas with fish or chicken.

Snacks- Apple or any one fruit.

Dinner- Brown rice with any kind of daal and some veggies.

For Wednesday:

Breakfast- Spanish omelette made with onions, tomatoes and peppers and served with some salsa.

Lunch-Left over daal from Tuesday dinner with brown rice and some healthy veggies.

Snacks- Some unsalted and unroasted nuts and unsweetened dry fruits.

Dinner- Chicken or tofu meatballs with some spaghetti squash, parmesan cheese and some other veggies.

For Thursday:

Breakfast- Yoghurt with some fresh fruits and walnuts.

Lunch- Kale salad with boiled eggs or chicken and avocado, tomatoes, dried cranberries, etc.

Snacks- Carrots dipped in hummus.

Dinner- Brown rice tossed with veggies and some meat.

For Friday:

Breakfast- Salad with spinach, homemade granola, walnuts, blueberries, etc. with boiled eggs.

Lunch- Homemade vegetable spring roll with some peanut butter and veggies.

Snacks- Whole wheat crackers with cheese.

Dinner- Wild rice with some green veggies and eggs.

For Saturday:

Breakfast- Pancakes with yoghurt, nuts and fresh fruits. You can also include eggs instead of nuts.

Lunch- Left over wild rice from Friday dinner tossed with veggies and chicken.

Snacks- Mixture of some nuts and dried fruits.

Dinner- Shrimp fajita with grilled onions, bell peppers and some guacamole.

For Sunday:

Breakfast- Oats with fresh fruits and nuts.

Lunch- Salad with tuna fish or chickpeas along with avocados, apple and walnuts.

Snacks- Greek yoghurt.

Dinner- Grilled fish or chicken with sauteed potatoes and kale. You can include other veggies instead.

DISCLAIMER: It is highly recommended to consult the doctor or dietician before changing your diet.

Read more:
Weight Loss Meal Plan: Heres how to prepare your 7 days menu with healthy and nutritious foods - PINKVILLA

The holiday season is upon us, which means weve shifted our obsession from pumpkin spice to cinnamon. From festive drinks to flavored foods, you might notice the spice added to at least one of your favorite holiday dishes.

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that comes from the dried bark of the cinnamomum tree, says Robin Foroutan, M.S., RDN, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. There are two main kinds of cinnamon: ceylon cinnamon, aka true cinnamon, and cassia cinnamon (less expensive and commonly used in processed food).

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Not only is this spice delicious, but cinnamon is also loaded with some unexpected health benefits of which runners can, and should, take advantage.

[The 2021 Runner's World Calendar features gorgeous photos, monthly motivation, and tips to inspire your running all year long.]

It may help balance your blood sugar.

Polyphenol antioxidants, found in cinnamon, may act like insulin, which means they assist glucose in moving out of the bloodstream and into cells. This is important for runners because the faster sugar gets into muscles, the faster it can be burned for fuel, says Foroutan.

It may help lower your cholesterol.

Animal studies have shown that cinnamon may play a role in lowering cholesterol concentrations in the body. In a study, mice that were fed a diet that included cinnamon extract had significantly higher HDL (good) cholesterol. Results showed it could also help lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, says Ginger Hultin, Seattle-based RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and owner of ChampagneNutrition.

Cinnamon Sticks

That's Tastyamazon.com

This seems especially true for those with high cholesterol and diabetes, says Hultin.

A human study showed that out of people in the study using 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon for 40 days, all three of the groups (but not the placebo) had lower triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol, as well.

It may help blood vessel function.

Cinnamon has been shown to improve blood vessel dilation, which is the ability for your blood vessels to expand to allow better blood flow, in animal studies, says Foroutan. Cinnamon is one of many natural foods that contain phytonutrients that help improve blood vessel dilation.

This is important to runners, because blood flow is important for peak muscle and cardiovascular performance, however more research is needed to confirm the effect in humans.

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It may help lower inflammation.

Previous small studies have shown that people who drank cinnamon tea had a higher antioxidant status than those who drank tea without cinnamon or hot water. This is likely because antioxidant flavonoids in cinnamon and the essential oils it contains, such as cinnamaldehyde, could act as free-radical scavengers (substances that protect cells from damage) and play a role in lowering inflammation, says Hultin.

Because exercise creates free radicals (unstable molecules created during normal cell metabolism) that can trigger inflammation, athletes need to go above and beyond to include plenty of foods that help the body balance inflammation. Foods that are high in antioxidants, such as cinnamon and other spices, help stabilize free radicals so they cant inflame our cells and tissues, Foroutan says.

It can help reduce added sugar intake.

If you sprinkle some cinnamon on your food, the sweet taste of cinnamon can trick your tongue into thinking that a food is sweeter than it actually is. This can help people reduce the amount of added sugar they consume, says Foroutan.

Consuming too much added sugar is problematic for everyones healtheven athletes, says Foroutan. Relying on slow burning complex carbs and natural sugars from fruit instead of reaching for candy can give you that burst of energy and keep you fueled for longer.

To get the full benefits, you may need to eat a lot of cinnamon. But you can still benefit from adding even a bit of the spice to your diet. According to some studies, its safest to consume in moderationabout 1 teaspoon per day.

Ground Cinnamon

$14.40

Its important to know that in studies, trials are often using amounts that are much higher than a person would typically eat in their diets; often 1 to 6 grams for up to three months. A teaspoon of cinnamon is less than 3 grams for reference, says Hultin.

But, eating too much cinnamon could have some side effects of its own. One teaspoon of cinnamon contains between 7 and 18 milligrams of coumarin, so its important you dont start loading up every dish with it.

Cinnamon has a compound called coumarin which has been shown to potentially have some negative effects at high levels, says Hultin. There is a chance of irritation to the liver and could irritate the mucosal membranes in your mouth and digestive tract.

Here are 11 delicious cinnamon-filled recipes to help fuel you for your runs.

If youre looking for ways to add cinnamon to your breakfast, try these banana ginger oats.

Naturally sweetened with nutrient-packed bananas (and nothing else!), these whole grain oats are perfect on a long-run day. Add extra cinnamon to taste for more flavor and potentially anti-inflammatory benefits, says Hultin.

Keep this salted cinnamon peanut butter on hand to put on top of everything from toast and oatmeal to yogurt. Peanut butter offers a fantastic combination of fat and protein for satiety and pairs perfectly with so many carbohydrates to fuel running, says Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Bucket List Tummy.

This peanut butter sweet potato bread is great for eating any time to fuel your runs.

I love the combination of ingredients and flavors in this recipe, says Amber Pankonin MS, RD, LMNT, registered dietitian and owner of Stirlist. The cinnamon combined with sweet potatoes and peanut butter provide a nutritious energy source for runners. Cinnamon has also been known to help decrease appetite, so the combination of these ingredients can help with fullness and satiety.

If youre a smoothie fan, try this ginger pumpkin breakfast smoothie.

One of the most important parts of a pumpkin-spice mixture is the cinnamon; its the spice youll use in the greatest amount. Thats perfect for flavoring smoothies that can power your run, says Hultin.

Use canned pumpkin any time of year in this recipe for added vitamin A and other nutrients and dont hold back on the cinnamon which adds intensity of flavor and some potential health benefits, too.

Keep this maple cinnamon granola on hand for easy snacking. An easy make ahead snack for pre- or post-run to help provide instant energy and/or replenish glycogen levels, says Schlichter.

You probably already have all the ingredients needed to whip up this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal. Cinnamon combined with fiber sources like apples and oatmeal could be beneficial for digestive health, says Pankonin.

Try this banana chia pudding in the morning. The perfect carbohydrate rich breakfast for before or after a run. Loaded with whole grain oats and a banana, this flavorful overnight oats can be made ahead of time [for you early risers] and is full of electrolytes, says Schlichter.

For a protein-packed lunch or dinner, try this Hawaiian pork and peas recipe. Combining lean protein with complex carbohydrates from vegetable sources is a great recovery meal for runners, says Pankonin. Some research has suggested that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, which might also help with recovery.

Try this tasty and healthier version of spiced apple crisp. Meal prep this healthy crisp and use it as a breakfast or snack pre- or post-run all week long, says Hultin. Having a healthy, whole grain, carbohydrate-rich meal can give your body what it needs to perform. Cinnamon takes center stage in this apple and oat-based recipe. By boosting up spices like cinnamon, you can often cut back on the amount of added sugar you use.

Looking for your new go-to snack? Find it in this apple cinnamon potato bread. This quickbread makes for a quick, easy and convenient snack between exercise sessions, or a fast way to get quick acting carbohydrates before a run. Top it with peanut butter for more staying power, says Schlichter.

If youre a fan of savory foods, add this cinnamon poached chicken and rice dish to your meal-prep rotation.

This savory dish combines lean protein with rice and seasoned with cinnamon. Cinnamon contains antioxidants, which might improve heart health making it a great spice for runners to include in their diets, says Pankonin.

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Benefits of Cinnamon | Health Benefits of Cinnamon - Runner's World

Dr. Deep Goel, Senior Director, Consultant Robotic Surgeon, Department of Surgical Gastro Onco, Bariatric & Advance Minimal Access Surgery, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi

A massive study5 of 52.4 lakh patients data found that obesity is associated with 10 different cancers: Uterus (with 40.8% of yearly new cases linked to obesity), Gallbladder (20.3%), Kidney (16.6%), Liver (15.6%), Colon (11.1%), Cervix (7.5%), Ovaries (7.3%), Blood cancer (6.3%), Postmenopausal Breast (5.1%), and Thyroid (1.9%).

The newer studies have found that three more cancers i.e., Food Pipe6, Pancreas7, and a type of Brain Cancer (Meningioma)8 too are linked with obesity9.

How Does Obesity Cause Cancer?

Too much body fat leads to chronic inflammation. This inflammation causes pancreas to produce more insulin. Extra fat cells also make extra oestrogen - another hormone. These extra hormones trigger body cells to divide more, and these new cells can result in cancerous tumours.

Escaping The Death Trap

The good news is that the enhanced cancer risk posed by obesity can be reduced & managed by treating the root cause i.e. obesity

The first step is to understand what is obesity. Obesity is not a cosmetic condition as commonly perceived. Its a complex, progressive and multifactorial disease that needs expert medical help to treat, just like cancer.

Obesity is determined by BMI (Body Mass Index), which measures body weight in relation to height.

World Health Organization (WHO) considers a BMI more than 30 as Class 1 obesity10. BMI above 35 is Class II- serious obesity, and BMI above 40 is class III- severe obesity.11.

Most patients with obesity who try diet and exercise, enjoy initial success, and then may experience weight regain. This may not be due to their lack of willpower or the wrong diet, but due to hormonal imbalance and genetic predisposition.

There is documented observation that for an obesity patient with a BMI greater than 35, the chances of reaching a normal body weight for a lasting period of time with diet and exercise alone is less than 1%12.

If you are fighting class II obesity and unable to reverse it, minimally invasive bariatric weight-loss surgery might be an option. In fact International Diabetic Federation guidelines recommend surgery for uncontrolled diabetes with good medical management.

Does bariatric weight-loss surgery also lower the cancer risk?

A 12-year follow-up study that compared 6596 patients who underwent gastric bypass bariatric surgery with 9442 severe obesity patients who did not undergo bariatric surgery found that total cancer incidence in the bariatric surgery group was significantly lower compared to that of non-bariatric group13.

A 11-year follow-up study of 2010 bariatric surgery patients compared with 2037 obesity patients who didnt undergo bariatric surgery found that bariatric surgery group had reduced cancer incidence - particularly in women14.

Talk to the experts

According to experts during Covid times online consultation for obesity management have increased significantly.

Morbid obesity can be treated efficiently by bariatric surgery with lasting results along with significantly reducing cancer risk. The time to act against it is NOW!

Disclaimer: This article is sponsored by J&J in public interest. The views and opinions expressed in the article by participating doctors are based on their independent professional judgement. J&J (P) Ltd., BCCL and its group publications disclaim any liability for the accuracy or consequences flowing from adherence to their expert views.

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1De Pergola G, Silvestris F. Obesity as a major risk factor for cancer. J Obes. 2013;2013:291546. doi:10.1155/2013/291546

2Basen-Engquist K, Chang M. Obesity and cancer risk: recent review and evidence. Curr Oncol Rep. 2011;13(1):71-76. doi:10.1007/s11912-010-0139-7

3Calle EE, Rodriguez C, Walker-Thurmond K, Thun MJ. Overweight, obesity, and mortality from cancer in a prospectively studied cohort of U.S. adults. N Engl J Med. 2003 Apr 24;348(17):1625-38. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa021423. PMID: 12711737.

4Schmitz KH, Neuhouser ML, Agurs-Collins T, Zanetti KA, Cadmus-Bertram L, Dean LT, Drake BF. Impact of obesity on cancer survivorship and the potential relevance of race and ethnicity. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2013 Sep 18;105(18):1344-54. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djt223. Epub 2013 Aug 29. PMID: 23990667; PMCID: PMC3776266.

5Bhaskaran K, Douglas I, Forbes H, dos-Santos-Silva I, Leon DA, Smeeth L. Body-mass index and risk of 22 specific cancers: a population-based cohort study of 524 million UK adults. Lancet. 2014 Aug 30;384(9945):755-65. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60892-8. Epub 2014 Aug 13. PMID: 25129328; PMCID: PMC4151483.

6Long E, Beales IL. The role of obesity in oesophageal cancer development. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2014;7(6):247-268. doi:10.1177/1756283X14538689

7Xu M, Jung X, Hines OJ, Eibl G, Chen Y. Obesity and Pancreatic Cancer: Overview of Epidemiology and Potential Prevention by Weight Loss. Pancreas. 2018;47(2):158-162. doi:10.1097/MPA.0000000000000974

8Aghi MK, Eskandar EN, Carter BS, Curry WT Jr, Barker FG 2nd. Increased prevalence of obesity and obesity-related postoperative complications in male patients with meningiomas. Neurosurgery. 2007 Oct;61(4):754-60; discussion 760-1. doi: 10.1227/01.NEU.0000298903.63635.E3. PMID: 17986936.

9https://bit.ly/37G8xkt

10https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity#tab=tab_1

11 https://asmbs.org/patients/disease-of-obesity

12https://asmbs.org/patients/benefits-of-weight-loss-surgery?/patients/benefits-of-bariatric-surgery

Disclaimer: Content Produced by Dr. Deep Goel

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Do You Know - Excess Weight Can Increase The Risk Of Cancer? - Times of India

Many different conditions can cause numbness in the right hand, ranging from nerve problems to nutritional deficiencies. Some are serious while others are not a cause for concern.

Some of the most common reasons for numbness in the right hand are carpal tunnel syndrome, medication side effects, and acute trauma.

If the condition is serious, a person will usually have other symptoms accompanying the numbness.

This article reviews 23 conditions that may cause numbness in the right hand, their symptoms, and when to see a doctor.

The following are the more common causes of hand numbness:

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress condition that happens when a person does repeated movements with the hand and wrist, such as typing, writing, or pressing buttons.

The motions put pressure on the median nerve, a major nerve in the hand. As the motions squeeze the nerve, the person experiences pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist, hand, and sometimes arm.

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually gets worse over time, so seeing a doctor for diagnosis and treatment early can help avoid serious issues.

Most doctors will have a person wear a wrist splint or cut down on certain activities until the inflammation subsides.

Some drugs can cause nerve damage or neuropathy, usually affecting the peripheral nerves and causing numbness and tingling in the extremities, such as the hands and feet.

The medication may have a toxic effect on the myelin sheath or the axon of the nerves, causing damage and interfering with nerve signals.

Types of drugs that list neuropathy as a potential side effect include:

Physical trauma can also cause numbness in the right hand.

If an external event, such as a car crash, cuts, stretches, or compresses a nerve to the right hand, the person is likely to feel numbness.

A person who has experienced physical trauma should see a doctor for an examination so they can understand the extent of the injury.

People with diabetes live with high blood sugar and control it with insulin injections.

However, over time, high levels of glucose in the blood can cause diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage.

Usually, the nerve damage affects the peripheral nerves in the feet and sometimes the hands, causing tingling and numbness.

A person should ask their doctor if they have diabetes and they are also experiencing the following symptoms:

The medical name for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis. Inflammation and micro-tearing in the tendons around the elbow cause this overuse condition.

The tears create a painful burning sensation on the outside of the elbow, and the inflammation can cause numbness in the hand.

It is called tennis elbow because it is common in athletes who play racket sports. However, it is still a common injury for many other activities.

Treatment is usually a combination of rest, physical therapy, and medication for pain and inflammation.

Golfers elbow is the opposite of tennis elbow. Here, the pain and inflammation are concentrated on the inside of the elbow. Where tennis elbow is lateral, golfers elbow is medial epicondylitis.

As with tennis elbow, numbness in the hand is a possible symptom.

Physical therapy, rest, and pain relief medications will usually help golfers elbow and prevent it from recurring.

A healthcare provider may ask the person to strengthen their wrist by squeezing a tennis ball and doing wrist curls.

Low vitamin B12 can cause nerve problems resulting in tingling or numb hands and feet.

Other symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency include:

A person usually gets vitamin B12 from their diet. It is in many foods, including beef liver, clams, fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and milk.

Vegetarians and vegans might have trouble finding a source of vitamin B12, so a multivitamin can help.

Low potassium, or hypokalemia, can also cause issues with muscle contraction, such as numbness in the hands.

Many foods are sources of potassium, especially fruits and vegetables. Therefore, a person usually does not need to take a supplement.

Raynauds disease is a condition where the small blood vessels in the extremities go into spasm when a person exposes them to the cold.

The spasming can cause numbness, pain, tingling, and throbbing in the hands. The skin will turn a blotchy red and white pattern.

Raynauds is quite common and not serious on its own. However, a person still might want to check in with a doctor in case of an underlying issue.

Sometimes degeneration or an acute injury can cause a cervical disk in the neck to slip or herniate.

The herniation may cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerve root. This can cause numbness, weakness, and tingling in the hand and arm.

Treatment for a herniated disk is physical therapy, rest, and medication to control the pain. Sometimes a doctor will recommend surgery or injections.

The following causes are less common to rare:

A heart attack can present with arm or shoulder pain. If a person thinks they or someone else is having a heart attack, they should call for emergency help as soon as possible.

Arm or shoulder pain probably does not indicate a heart attack if the person does not also have chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, light-headedness, and pain in the back, jaw, or neck.

A sudden loss of feeling and strength on one side of the body is a key symptom of a stroke.

Thus, if a person is experiencing numbness in only their right hand and right side of the body and face, a stroke could be the cause.

Other symptoms of a stroke include:

If a person thinks they or someone else may have had a stroke, they should seek emergency medical help as quickly as possible.

Use the acronym FAST to diagnose a stroke and call the emergency line immediately to help prevent permanent brain damage.

If a person does not treat syphilis, it can spread to the brain and nervous system, a condition called neurosyphilis.

At this stage, the bacteria cause the hands and feet to become numb and tingly, along with:

A person can cure syphilis with antibiotics, but this might not undo all the damage from the disease.

Guillain-Barr syndrome occurs when the bodys immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.

It can start with tingling and numbness in the hands and may extend to full paralysis.

Usually, the paralysis will start in the lower extremities and move upwards. However, occasionally symptoms will start in the upper body, moving down toward the legs and feet.

Other symptoms of Guillain-Barr syndrome include:

There is no cure for Guillain-Barr syndrome. However, some therapies can help, including plasmapheresis, high-dose immunoglobulin therapy, and physical therapy for strength.

The main cause of thoracic outlet syndrome is pressure on the blood vessels, nerves, and arteries running from the base of the neck, past the armpit, and to the arm and hand.

This condition can cause numbness or tingling down the arm into the hand. Other symptoms include changes in hand temperature and color, weakness, and swelling.

The treatment is an exercise program to restore normal posture and relieve compression in the area.

A bacterium causes lyme disease. Humans may contract it when they get tick bites.

If people do not treat lyme disease, the bacteria can attack the nervous system, causing shooting pain or numbness in the hands and feet.

Other symptoms of lyme disease include:

Antibiotics can treat and cure lyme disease. There should not be any lasting effects if a person identifies the disease and treats it quickly.

A ganglion cyst is the most common reason for lumps in the hands. These fluid-filled cysts are usually harmless and might disappear on their own.

However, if the cyst is pressing on a nerve, a person might have numbness or tingling in the hand.

A doctor can perform surgery to remove the cyst if necessary.

Cervical spondylosis is arthritis of the neck, a very common result of getting older and natural wear and tear on the body.

In the condition, the disks and joints in the neck degenerate, causing:

In some instances, cervical spondylosis causes a narrowing of the spinal cord, putting pressure on the nerves leading to the hands and fingers. This can cause numbness or weakness.

When the thyroid is underactive and goes untreated, a person can develop peripheral neuropathy in the hands. This might make a persons hands feel numb or tingly.

Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

A doctor might recommend medications to control thyroid hormone production. They might also recommend surgery to remove some or part of the thyroid to help it function properly.

Vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels causing thickening, narrowing and weakening of the walls of the vessels.

A viral, fungal, or bacterial infection or a reaction to medications and toxins can cause it.

The inflammation affects the nerves, causing shooting pain and numbness in the arms, legs, and hands. Symptoms typically affect one side of the body more than the other.

Other symptoms of vasculitis include:

Treatment usually consists of medications to suppress the immune system, including methotrexate, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that causes widespread pain all over the body, including tingling or numbness in the hands and feet in some cases.

Stressful or traumatic events, illness, certain diseases, and repetitive injuries may cause it.

Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

To treat fibromyalgia, a doctor will usually prescribe over-the-counter medications to relieve pain. They may also recommend certain exercises to combat the symptoms.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect almost any organ in the body.

However, when it focuses on the joints, swelling and stiffness can cause numbness in the hands. Other symptoms of lupus include:

Lupus is a chronic disease with no cure. A person can manage it with help from a doctor.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease affecting the myelin sheaths in the central nervous system.

Myelin is a fatty material that surrounds nerve axons. It helps nerve signals move around the body quickly and efficiently.

When this material degrades, the nerve impulses slow down. Numbness or tingling in the extremities, such as in the hands, can be a sign of oncoming MS.

Other symptoms of MS include:

MS is a chronic disease with no cure, but certain treatments can help improve a persons quality of life.

Numbness in the right hand should dissipate in a few days.

However, if it does not go away or the numbness spreads to other parts of the body, a person should seek medical attention.

Get medical attention if one of the following symptoms accompanies the numbness:

Look out for strokes and heart attacks, as they will need medical intervention very quickly.

Most hand numbness is musculoskeletal or can be cured with physical therapy, rest, or even antibiotics.

However, some rare causes listed in this article are chronic and require ongoing medical treatment. These include:

If a person notices anything out of the ordinary, they should consider checking with a doctor.

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Numbness in right hand: Causes and when to see a doctor - Medical News Today

How do you accept losing when youre hardwired to win?

When you bleed and sweat and pour every ounce of energy into a goal, only to watch it slip out of your grasp week after week?

What do you tell yourself when even your own words sound hallow at times?

That is the frame of mind that Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack has found himself in as the Jags extended a franchise-worst single-season losing streak, with 13 consecutive losses resulting in a 1-13 record.

Right now, I feel like everything falls on my shoulders being on the defense, being one of the older guys, I have a C on my chest. I take full responsibility for everything. If we give up 40 points, I feel like I gave up 40 points. I go home and I cant get out of bed until Tuesday. It really weighs on me, it hurts me.

As Jack spoke to local media last weekfor the first time since September 23he didn't hold back, offering a glimpse into the psyche of an athlete at the top of their game on a team thats at the bottom.

"All that matters to me is bringing this city a championship. Its tough because when youre young, youre like, Well, in year two, year three, maybe it will be different. When you get older, theres more responsibility on you. It weighs on you a lot more like a whole lot more, mentally, physically. Im just trying to preach guys, try to speed them up a little bit like we can change this. We have everything we need. All we need is us, we just have to tighten up on a couple corners.

As a fifth-year linebacker having spent his entire career thus far with the Jags, the captain has been through losing seasons before. In total, the Jaguars are 25-53 during Jacks time in Jacksonville. Hes become used to losing seasons, but not accustomed to it. Instead, hes created a system for properly mourning and then moving past each loss.

This is what Ive been doing: come home on Sunday, Ill play Call of Duty: Warzone until I get more mad about losing in Warzone than the game, then I go to sleep, then I wake up Monday still be sore and beat up, probably watch Narcos, play Warzone. Its kind of like a switch between watching Narcos and playing Warzone until Wednesday rolls around and Ill forget about it by then, but you just have to keep going. Theres going to be seasons when you lose and theres going to be seasons when you win.

Jack knows that better than most on the team, having gone through the low of the 2016 season going 3-13, and then the high of the 2017 season, finishing 10-6 in the regular season before making it to the AFC Championship Game and falling to the New England Patriots (well refrain from asking whether or not he was down here). Jack calls the season magical and after that, he thought his entire career would be like that special run.

My second year, Im like, The NFL is easy. Its always going to be like this. Were in the playoffs and we win our Wild Card [game] and we go to the [AFC] Division[al round], it was just easy like its magical. You cant believe it. You just think its always going to be like this. I remember [former Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny] Poz telling me, Appreciate this because this is special. It was Pozs tenth year and then he finally got to that point. He was like, Guys, appreciate this because its not always like this.

In the season that followed, the Jags went 5-11 and after a slight uptick in 2019, have now skidded to the worst single-season stretch in franchise history at 1-13. The talking of tanking became so strong that Jack deleted his Instagram and Twitter, even though he admits even going to the gas station means the conversation comes up with fans.

And he gets it. Just as hes hard wired to win, he knows fans want to win as well. But wanting to deliver a winning future with possibly Trevor Lawerence or Justin Fields or Kyle Pitts must be balanced with guys winning a future in the league.

Obviously for me, Im like, Heck no, I want to win these three, four games and blow all that but I get it from a fan perspective. But were still out there fighting for our jobs, fighting for our livelihoods. At the end of the day, the NFL doesnt pay losers, they pay winners. You win, you get rewarded. You lose, it gets kind of ugly.

"Myself, thats what Im playing for, just solidify myself in the league, making sure that I can stay in Jacksonville as long as possible. Theres new GMs, new coaches coming in, so when they come in and evaluate, theyre going to see which guys are going and which guys arent and theyre going to get rid of the guys that arent playing [rather] than the ones that are.

In the interim, like Poz told players to savor the wins in 2017, Jack is now instructing the players on the youngest team in the league toin some wayssavor these losses.

I told guys [to] really learn from this season, remember that one play that you slipped up on and all of a sudden it changed the whole dynamic of the game. Thats how slim this league is, its a play here or there. I think guys will really not like the taste that they have in their mouth. Well have to hear another offseason about negativity about the Jags and all that and I hope that really motivates people because it did for me last year and moving forward it will.

If this season you feel like you werent good at certain things, work on that this offseason. [If] you feel like you werent fast enough, get faster. [If] you feel like you werent strong enough, hit the weight room this offseason. You can always get better.

That attitudethat fire, that passion and the leadership from Jack (105) who along with Joe Schobert (125) are both in the Top 20 in the league of total tacklesis what Jack hopes serves as a bright spot from an otherwise sad season.

I just hope that people, from the defense perspective, just see the fight that we have. Obviously, things havent gone how we want it to go, but at the same time, guys [are] out there playing, guys [are] out there fighting. Its cool to see because things happen and its kind of similar to life and kind of similar to this whole year, 2020. Bad things happen but we just continue going.

The growth that can come from thatthe lessons learned when pulling oneself out of a pitalong with a possible No. 1 overall pick, thats what can serve as the foundation for the future. If thats the case, then the worst season in franchise history could serve as the catalyst for some of the best to come.

Says Jack, Im just trying to cherish the bad so that way when we do have a winning, kick ass season next year, I can savor it [and] I feel like I earned it and enjoy it and really just f-ing enjoyI cant wait.

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Lessons In Losing: What Myles Jack Is Taking From the Jaguars 2020 Season - Sports Illustrated

The Warrior Diet restricts eating some foods for 20 hours a day and lets people overeat from dinnertime.

The Warrior Diet is based on intermittent fasting principles and could offer health benefits and weight loss for some people.

However, this diet may not be suitable, safe, or even necessary for many.

This article explores what the Warrior Diet is and how it works. It also discusses potential benefits and downsides, how to follow the diet, and what to eat.

The Warrior Diet is a diet based on intermittent fasting.

Fitness specialist Ori Hofmekler has written several books about dieting. He created The Warrior Diet, which he published in 2002.

According to the authors website, Hofmekler has based the Warrior Diet on survival science and his nutrition knowledge.

The regimen aims to help people lose weight and fat by eating most of their calories within a 4-hour window.

The Warrior Diet philosophy is that the body is pre-programmed to follow life cycles that evolved to improve our survival.

These cycles include periods of undereating and overeating, exercise and rest, and wake and sleep.

Hofmekler believes that interrupting these cycles due to chronic stress or too many meals in the day affects the bodys ability to adapt and perform. The result of interrupting cycles could be weight gain and obesity.

However, scientific studies do not necessarily support these claims.

The Warrior Diet has three initial phases that people perform over 3 weeks:

Phase one (week 1), detox: Aims to improve the bodys capacity to remove toxins and helps the liver neutralize substances that trigger fat gain.

Phase two (week 2), adaptation to fat fuel: Aims to improve the bodys ability to utilize fat for energy.

Phase three (week 3), adaptation to carbohydrate fuel: Aims to improve the bodys ability to utilize carbs for energy.

Each phase involves periods of undereating during the day and overeating from dinner onward.

No research specifically supports the Warrior Diet.

However, there are studies on the benefits of intermittent fasting.

For instance, one small study looked at the effect of fasting from dawn to sunset on participants with metabolic syndrome.

After 4 weeks, the researchers found that the participants had a reduction in body mass index and waist circumference and improvements in blood pressure.

However, the design of this study differs from the Warrior Diet. For example, the participants fasted completely, with no food or drink. The fasting window of 14 hours was also shorter than the diets 20-hour period.

Other studies suggest the beneficial effects of intermittent fasting could be weight loss, decreased cholesterol, and improved heart health.

However, the period of fasting and eating varies in studies, as does the amount of calories participants eat.

These variations mean it is difficult to apply the specific benefits to the Warrior Diet.

Fasting may alter the hunger hormones leptin and ghrelin, according to some research. However, it is not conclusive how macronutrients and the timing of meals affect these hormones.

The Warrior Diet is highly restrictive and unnecessary for most people. It may also lead to potentially dangerous side effects, such as fatigue, irritability, and fainting.

It is important to find a healthful diet that nourishes a persons body and suits their lifestyle.

Most of the research on intermittent fasting is on middle-aged adults with overweight.

The National Institute on Aging state we need more studies to determine if this type of eating pattern is safe for people with moderate weight, as well as younger people and older adults.

The Warrior Diet may not be suitable for people with health conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding people, people with underweight, and those with a current or previous eating disorder.

Athletes and those who regularly participate in sport may need more food to sustain their training regimes.

The Warrior Diet may be challenging in social eating situations and could produce side effects in some people. It could also lead to eating disorders.

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new diet program.

The following is an example of how to follow the Warrior Diet. Remember to speak with a doctor before trying this program.

People need to undereat after waking until the evening meal.

Do not consume animal flesh protein such as meat, poultry, or fish. Instead, eat:

During this phase, people can drink tea and coffee with regular milk and no sugar. They can also drink fresh juices.

From dinner onwards, people can overeat. They should eat the first serving of food and then take a 20-minute break. If they are still hungry, they then eat more of the same food. The break allows a person to respond to their bodys satiety signals indicating they are full.

Example of evening meal foods:

Additionally, people must eliminate all sugars, candies, and sweeteners during phase one.

During this phase, people should eat a handful of nuts with meals at night. High-fat foods, such as nuts and seeds, help regulate the satiety hormone leptin.

Daytime undereating foods and instructions are the same as week 1.

People can eat the same foods as week 1 for night-time overeating, but replace the beans with animal protein such as meat, fish, or eggs.

If someone is too full to eat the protein after the handful of nuts, they can leave out the protein the emphasis is on eating the nuts.

People can eat raw nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and pecans.

Avoid eating starchy or sweet foods during this phase.

The third phase involves alternating between high-carb and high-protein meals. People should eat according to the following cycles:

The undereating foods are the same as weeks 1 and 2.

People can add high carb foods during the overeating period according to which cycle they are on. They should choose one main carb per meal from the following:

Someone can include carbs with their main choice but in small quantities. They must still take a 20-minute break between meals.

Following the initial 3 weeks, people can rotate between the phases according to their individual needs.

Once someone completes the initial phases, they can enjoy a glass of wine with a high protein meal.

However, they should not drink beer or other alcoholic beverages.

The Warrior Diet also advises people to take various nutritional supplements such as multivitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Although there is no research to support the Warrior Diet, the benefits to health and weight loss from intermittent fasting may be relevant.

The diet may not be suitable or safe for certain groups of people. It could also lead to eating disorders in some.

The diets complexity and restrictions mean that a person will have difficulties with eating out socially. They may also find the program difficult to follow.

It is unnecessary to follow restrictive programs, such as the Warrior Diet, to maintain a moderate weight or healthful lifestyle. Consult with a doctor or dietitian to find an eating plan suitable for a persons lifestyle and health goals.

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The warrior diet: Pros, cons, how to follow it, and example meal plan - Medical News Today

George Clooney had a health scare right before shooting began on his new Netflix film The Midnight Sky. The actor was diagnosed with pancreatitis and hospitalised after experiencing stomach pains just days before cameras started rolling on the sci-fi project that counts him as both director and star. The film features the 59-year-old Oscar winner as Augustine Lofthouse, an astrophysicist battling cancer who is tasked with warning a team of astronauts not to return to Earth. To get into character, the Gravity star decided to lose weight for the role. "I think I was trying too hard to lose the weight quickly and probably wasn't taking care of myself," Clooney told the Mirror. The actor also pointed out that filming in harsh climates made this shoot particularly challenging. The Midnight Sky's cast includes Felicity Jones, David Oyelowo, Tiffany Boone, Demin Bichir and Kyle Chandler.

See the article here:
George Clooney was hospitalised after weight loss for 'The Midnight Sky' | Glitterati - Mag The Weekly Magazine

Increased adiposity was shown to be causally protective for breast and prostate cancer, according to the results of a new study presented at the American Society of Human Genetics 2020 Virtual Meeting.1

The investigators suggested that the protective effects observed in prostate cancer may, at least in part, be due to safe sequestration of harmful chemicals in adipose cells. However, further research will still be required to provide sufficient evidence of these findings.

Its first necessary to figure out the mechanisms through which obesity may protect against or be a risk factor for cancer, Hasnat Amin, BSc, a doctoral student at Brunel University London, said in a press release.2 The next step would be to use these mechanisms to maximize the protective effect of obesity on breast and prostate cancer risk without the often-reported negative effects of increased weight on cardiometabolic health.

In this study, investigators used 1-sample Mendelian randomization to assess the causal effect of adiposity measures, including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio, on breast and prostate cancer risk in the UK Biobank (UKB); the prospective cohort study included over 500,000 participants. The study findings were then replicated by 2-sample Mendelian randomization using data from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium, or BCAC, which included 122,977 cases of breast cancer and 105,974 controls, and the Prostate Cancer Association Group to Investigate Cancer-Associated Alterations in the Genome, or PRACTICAL, Consortium, which included 79,194 cases of prostate cancer and 61,112 controls.

The investigators revealed that women who were genetically predisposed to being heavier developed breast cancer at lower rates than those who were not. These data suggest that the higher risks of breast cancer typically associated with increased weight may be due to other factors.

Further, heavier men were found to be less likely to develop prostate cancer compared with those who weighed less, both observationally and when using genetically predicted measures. Importantly, this correlation was significantly greater in men who were exposed to carcinogenic substances at work, since fat cells likely play a role in absorbing and safely storing harmful chemicals.

Although these collective findings demonstrate that genetic predisposition to increased weight is protective against breast and prostate cancer, Amin indicated that further research is necessary to determine how this is realized, especially in breast cancer.

It is important to note that Amin and his colleagues are not suggesting that maintaining increased body weight is a cancer prevention strategy. Instead, he explained that public health messages should target the negative consequences of obesity while also considering the positive aspects.

Public health campaigns frequently describe obesity as being a causal risk factor for cancer and, therefore, portray weight loss as an effective cancer prevention strategy, said Amin. However, our findings contradict this idea.

Furthermore, there may even be certain risks in advising fat loss if, for example, fat cells are involved in the absorption of carcinogenic substances.

References:

1. Amin H, Kaewsri P, Yiorkas AM, Cook H, Drenos F, Blakemore A. Increased adiposity is protective for breast and prostate cancer: A Mendelian randomisation study using up to 132,413 breast cancer cases and 85,907 prostate cancer cases. Presented at: American Society of Human Genetics 2020 Virtual Meeting; October 27-30, 2020; Virtual. Abstract 2359.

2. Genetic Predisposition to Increased Weight is Protective for Breast and Prostate Cancer. News release. ASHG News. Published October 26, 2020. Accessed December 4, 2020. https://www.ashg.org/publications-news/press-releases/genetic-predisposition-increased-weight-protective-breast-prostate-cancer/

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Increased Adiposity May Be Protective for Breast and Prostate Cancer in Certain Patients - Cancer Network

Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. About a quarter of people with gallstones need treatment, which is usually surgery.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), gallstones may range from the size of a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball.

Many gallstones do not cause symptoms. However, some can cause complications, such as an infection or a blocked bile or pancreatic duct.

If this happens, the blockage can cause severe and often sharp pain. In these cases, a doctor will likely recommend surgery to remove the stone.

This article discusses types of gallstone surgery, recovery, and aftercare.

According to the NIDDK, not all gallstones require treatment. Many do not cause problems, and these are known as silent gallstones. In fact, an estimated 5070% of gallstones are asymptomatic.

Gallstones are very common, affecting 1015% of people in the United States, according to the NIDDK. Every year, about a quarter of the people with a diagnosis of gallstones will need treatment, which is usually surgery.

However, there is a consensus among doctors from multiple specialties that people with asymptomatic gallstones should not undergo surgery due to the risk involved and the lack of any clear benefit.

That said, the type of gallstones a person has can make a doctor more likely to recommend surgery. There are two types of gallstones: cholesterol and pigment.

A doctor may be able to treat cholesterol stones without surgical intervention, but they would likely suggest surgery for pigment stones.

Pigment stones are stones that are brown or black. An excess amount of bilirubin in a persons blood can cause pigment stones to form.

According to the NIDDK, some common nonsurgical procedures include:

However, attempts to dissolve or break up the gallstones often do not work effectively. If they do not work, a doctor will likely recommend surgery.

If a persons doctor recommends gallstone surgery, they will offer specific instructions about what to expect and how to prepare.

According to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), a person will need a full physical examination before undergoing surgery to determine if they are healthy enough for the procedure.

After the examination, the surgeon can discuss the procedure, including what to expect, and answer any questions.

Though instructions will vary, the SAGES indicate that the following are common preparation instructions to receive before surgery:

The gallbladder is not an essential organ to human life. A surgeon can safely remove the gallbladder with a surgical procedure called cholecystectomy.

There are two types of surgery for gallstones: laparoscopic/robotic and open surgery.

According to the NIDDK, surgeons are more likely to perform a laparoscopic procedure than an open procedure.

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a surgeon will use general anesthetics to put the person to sleep. Then, they will make three or four incisions and place devices, called ports, into the incisions to allow better access to the gallbladder.

The surgeon will use a small camera to help them remove the gallbladder, before sealing the openings with stitches or staples.

In some cases, they may use robotics to help with the surgery. These procedures are very similar to other laparoscopic cholecystectomies. The only difference is that the surgeon will manipulate the robot to perform the procedure.

During the procedure, they may need to remove gallstones that are blocking one or more bile ducts. They may need to use X-ray to help them see any additional stones.

A surgeon may perform open cholecystectomy if the laparoscopic procedure does not go well. They may also choose to perform the procedure if the gallbladder is:

According to the SAGES, some other reasons a surgeon may switch to an open procedure include:

A persons recovery time depends on the type of surgery they had and any complications that arose.

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a person can often go home the same day or the next day. They can expect to return to normal activities within 1 week.

After open cholecystectomy, a person may need to stay in the hospital for up to a week. During this time, doctors will provide follow-up care. A person can often return to normal activities within 1 month.

According to the NIDDK, complications from gallbladder surgery include a persons bile ducts developing an infection. This may require additional surgeries.

For optimal healing, the person will need to keep the incisions clean and dry, change the bandages regularly, and follow all advice from their doctor. Taking over-the-counter pain medications can help people manage any pain.

A doctor may also recommend some short-term dietary changes, such as eating small, light meals for several days following surgery and following a low fat diet for a few weeks.

The SAGES recommend that a person be as active following the procedure as they can be. They suggest walking or doing other light exercises to help keep the body moving.

The surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up appointment for about 23 weeks after the procedure, according to the SAGES.

People may way to contact their doctor as soon as possible if they experience any of the following symptoms:

According to a 2011 review of studies, there are limited quality data on long-term outcomes for people who undergo gallbladder surgery.

People may need to make some long-term dietary changes after gallbladder removal.

However, according to research in The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, there is no set standard for dietary changes after cholecystectomy.

Instead, each person should have a unique dietary plan depending on how their body reacts to the loss of the gallbladder.

Research suggests that people with diarrhea after gallbladder removal should increase their fiber intake slowly over several weeks.

Meanwhile, a person with acid reflux after surgery should eat small meals and avoid foods that may make it worse, including caffeine and alcohol, tomato-based foods, spicy foods, and mint.

Gallstone surgery is a common treatment for obstructive or frequent gallstones that cause symptoms. Laparoscopic surgery is more common than open surgery.

People can talk with their doctor about the option that is right for them. They can typically expect their quality of life to improve following the procedure.

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Gallstones surgery: Types, what to expect, recovery, and aftercare - Medical News Today