A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that having an “abdominally lean” waistline, but not engaging in regular physical activity, increases the risk of developing cancer by 4%. On the other hand, failing to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for waist circumference, even among physically active individuals, raises the risk by 11%.
Conducted on a sample of 316,000 Brits, the study analyzed the correlation between waist size and physical activity levels with cancer incidence. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and following a balanced diet are crucial in reducing cancer risk.
According to Dr Helen Croker, assistant research director at the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), “People can start by making small, sustainable changes like incorporating regular movement into daily routines or choosing healthier food options.” The study’s principal investigator, Prof Michael Leitzmann, added that both maintaining a recommended waist size and being physically active are critical for cancer prevention.
The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. A waist circumference of less than 88cm (35ins) for women and 102cm (40ins) is considered the benchmark for reduced cancer risk. The study’s results emphasize the importance of adopting a holistic lifestyle approach to reduce cancer risk, rather than focusing on individual factors alone.
Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/youre-making-one-vital-mistake-34525926