Fat ‘helps’ girls

OVERWEIGHT schoolgirls are less likely to develop breast cancer later in life, research suggests.

The risk drops by up to 10% compared to their slimmer peers – before and after the menopause.

Lead author Dr Dorthe Pedersen said: “Our results suggest having a higher BMI during childhood may lower your risk of breast cancer.

“But we must be clear weight gain should not be considered as a way of preventing breast cancer. It is vital for women to maintain a healthy weight.”