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Abstract:

There are many reasons to maintain a healthy
weight and to be physically active every day.
Researchers are finding more evidence that
carrying too much body fat and being inactive
increases the chances getting a number of
different cancers. It also has many other
dangerous health consequences including
increasing the risk of developing coronary heart
disease, high blood pressure, stroke and
diabetes (WHO Report 916, 2003).
The World Health Organisation estimates that
being overweight and inactive accounts for one
quarter to one third of all breast, colon,
endometrial, kidney and oesophageal cancers
(WCRF, 1997, Calle et al, 2003, Calle & Kaaks,
2004, Key et al, 2002).
Being obese may also increase the risk of
cancers of the gallbladder, liver, pancreas and
rectum (WCR, 1997).
An inactive lifestyle increases the risk of
developing cancers of the colon and rectum and
may increase the risk of lung, breast and
endometrial cancer (WCRF, 1997, Kruk &
Aboul-Enein, 2006).
Experts agree that avoiding becoming
overweight, avoiding fatty foods, eating more
fruit and vegetables and staying active all
contribute to cancer prevention (IOTF – WCRF,
1997).
The health benefits of physical activity and a
healthy diet accumulate over the lifespan so
development of healthy eating and activity
patterns are best established in childhood
(Friedenreich, 2001)