There are some pretty scary statistics coming out about the dangers of being overweight or obese. What is alarming is how few people are aware of those statistics. One recent survey put it as low as 30% - and that's very worrying. There is one very obvious risk which should get most people thinking. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing cancer - fact! In the US recent research found that among men and women who had never smoked, the risk of cancer death is increased by up to a third in overweight and obese people.



Prof. Wiseman from the World Cancer Research Fund made a very interesting (and wise!) statement recently when he said that cancer was not a case of fate, but one of risk. He pointed out that you can adjust risk by addressing your behaviors. It really is up to the individual to put his/her house in order.

Something we all ought to be aware of too, is that there are six cancers that are directly linked to being overweight or obese. A sobering thought.

Meanwhile in London scientists have been taking a look inside the body using MRI scanners to see what they can find. At the Hammersmith Hospital they have discovered that many of us have too much fat round our major organs - specifically the heart, liver and pancreas. Up to forty percent of us could have this problem.

Usually we have two pints of fat 'inside'. What has been a cause for concern is the discovery that many of us have between six and seven times that amount.

Why is this 'fat on the inside' bad? Because it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. One interesting fact is that you don't have to be 'fat on the outside' to be 'fat on the inside'. It is quite possible for people who are not overweight in any way to be 'fat on the inside'. I'm sure you've heard of people having heart attacks or strokes who are not overweight and don't smoke. 'Fat on the inside' may well be the reason.

The answer to the problem is really not very difficult to fathom. If you take regular, intentional exercise and eat well, the chances are that your 'fat on the inside' will be at the right level.

All of us need to be conscious of our behaviors. As Professor Wiseman points out illness is not a fate, but we've got to take positive action ourselves if we are to limit the risks we are open to. If we recognise the behaviors that gave us the problem in the first place and learn new habits, we can make successful change. It's worth it!