April, 2001

by Mary J. Shomon

Researchers at the World Health Organization believe that as many as one-third of cancers affecting the colon, breast, kidney and digestive tract may be a result of excessive weight gain and not enough exercise.

Dr. Harri Vainio of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the group that organized the panel, has said "Putting on weight, even if you're in the normal range, increases your risk. The most important thing is not to gain weight, however much you already weigh."

This news raises serious concerns, given that almost two-thirds of all American adults and half of Europeans are overweight.

For more information, see: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/344/315824.html