Cancerbesity

Dr. Francine Kaufman’s 2006 book, “Diabesity” coined a new term that helped focus the nation’s attention on the connection between the obesity epidemic and the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. Since then, most of you have come to understand that obesity is one of the major risk factors for everything from arthritis and heart disease to a lousy sex life.

Well, now it’s time to coin another new term for a pervasive health hazard: cancerbesity.

We’ve mentioned before that obesity and diabetes are linked to an increased risk of seven cancers. But now, U.K. researchers and the International Agency for Research on Cancer at the World Health Organization say that there’s not just an increased risk, but “a causal association.” Obesity causes cancer! Its dirty dozen includes cancers of the colon, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, liver, endometrium, breast, ovaries, gastrointestinal system, thyroid, esophagus and blood (multiple myeloma).

Today, 36 per cent of U.S. adults and 20 per cent of U.S. children are obese. The medical cost of treating their future cancers will be astronomical. Cancerbesity costs soon could equal ballooning national deficits and bankruptcy for you (medical expenses account for over 60 per cent of U.S. personal bankruptcies).

The government needs to establish policies offering support for weight-loss efforts. You need to reject the Five Food Felons (trans and sat fats, any grain that isn’t 100 per cent whole, and all added sugars and syrups) and take 10,000 steps a day and get two days of strength training weekly. Then we can coin another new word: vigorocity -- the key to a younger, healthier RealAge.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune in to “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www. sharecare.com.