Prevention

The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that about 20% of all cancers diagnosed in the US are related to body fat, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and/or poor nutrition.

The American Cancer Society Guidelines recommend achieving and maintaining a healthy weight throughout life. These guidelines are summarized as follows:

• Be as lean as possible throughout life without being underweight.
• Avoid excess weight gain at all ages. For those who are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight has health benefits and is a good place to start.
• Get regular physical activity and limit intake of high-calorie foods and drinks.
• Adults: Get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these), preferable spread throughout the week.
• Children: Get at least 1 hour of moderate or vigorous intensity activity each day, with vigorous activity on at least 3 days each week.
• Limit sedentary behavior such as sitting, lying down, watching television, and other forms of screen-based entertainment.
• Eat a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant based food.
• Limit how much processed meat and red meat you eat.
• Eat at least 2 ½ cups of vegetables and fruits each day.
• Choose whole grains instead of refined grain products.
• If you drink alcohol, limit your intake. It is recommended you drink no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 per day for men.

For most adults, experts consider a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the range of 18.5 to 24.9 to be healthy, a BMI between 25 and 29.9 to be overweight, and a BMI of 30 and over to obese. Body Mass Index is a screening tool that calculates your height and weight to determine your risk for weight related diseases.

To learn more about prevention by analyzing your own personal lifestyle and implementing appropriate changes, you can make a consultation with our Nutritional Specialist.