Nicholson Clinic Blog

What does dad most want on Father’s Day? Study after study clearly shows what dad really craves this Sunday: you! Spending time with loved ones and friends in a relaxing and stress-free manner tops for the list for dads, who really don’t want or need gifts like a coffee mug, necktie, or something to put on their desk.

Since the first day of summer and Father’s Day fall on the same day this year, this Sunday provides the perfect occasion to grill a healthy and delicious meal for dad and guests. Firing up the grill is a summertime ritual, and grilled meats combined with fresh vegetables and other low-fuss foods lends itself to healthier and lower-calorie options than meals planned for special occasions but cooked indoors.

Look for meats that are lower in fat, such as skinless chicken, lean hamburger patties, or steaks that aren’t too big and too fatty. Add in sides of salad, fresh corn on the cob, even grilled vegetables, and you’ve got a healthy alternative that everyone is so busy eating to even notice that it doesn’t go overboard with calories. Complete your meal by serving light beverages such as lemonade (consider choosing the zero-calorie kinds) or ice tea made with sweetener instead of traditional sweet tea loaded with sugar and you’re even more on a roll. Just don’t blow it with the dessert!

Many cakes and pies can put your calorie count at the day’s recommendations alone. Consider a beloved and low-calorie favorite of angel food cake with slices of fresh strawberries and/or blueberries and topped off with fat-free whipped topping. What a light alternative as the finishing touch to the perfect meal!

Keep the day focused on dad by not having him cook or clean-up afterward. If you still want to give dad a gift, consider something that is good for his heart, like a pedometer, cookbook, or even a framed photo of the day’s celebration. For most dads, this is the makings of a perfect day!

Are you considering bariatric surgery as a means to lose weight? If so, you are one of many. The number of bariatric surgeries performed in the United States has increased from about 13,000 annually in 1998 to 121,000 in 2004 [1]. This is not surprising when you consider that nearly 8% of some populations in the United States have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above, putting them in the category of class 3 obesity. Class 3 obesity is a serious condition and is associated with both premature death and an increased risk of health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and gallbladder disease. Current guidelines from the National Institutes on Health recommend that people who meet the criteria for class 3 obesity or have a BMI of at least 35 along with serious health problems consider undergoing bariatric surgery as a method of weight loss.

Significant weight loss by a person who is morbidly obese has been shown to improve social functioning, quality of life, and health, and bariatric surgery was developed specifically to induce significant weight loss. When compared to other weight loss strategies, bariatric surgery seems to have some advantages for the morbidly obese. Dietary measures designed to induce weight loss tend to result in the loss of less than 15% of initial body weight [2], while medication and behavioral therapy resulting in an average long-term weight loss of 4 to 7 kg; these methods also fail to significantly improve health problems related to obesity. In comparison, the average weight loss after undergoing bariatric surgery is 40 kg, and many obesity-related health problems are resolved or improved [3].

When looking at bariatric surgery as a weight loss option, most people will be choosing between either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. These two types of weight loss surgery are the ones most commonly performed, with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass the standard procedure in the United States and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding common in Europe and Australia. In order to compare the effectiveness and complications involved in these common surgeries, Dr. Tice and his colleagues at the University of California conducted a review of the research that has been reported on both procedures [4].

Gastric Bypass or Banding? The Study

Eighty percent of the patients in the studies examined by Dr. Tice and colleagues were female, and the average patient was about 40 years old with an initial BMI of 45 (class 3 obesity). The patients underwent either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, both primarily restrictive procedures designed to limit food intake. In Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a small stomach pouch is surgically created, and the route of the small intestine is modified so a portion of the stomach and small intestine is bypassed. In laparoscopic adjustable banding, an inflatable tube is placed just below the junction of the esophagus and stomach. The tube is inflated via a saline solution injected through a subcutaneous port, which allows the size of the outlet to be adjusted.

In general, there have been few high-quality studies performed on the two bariatric surgeries, and sample sizes in the best available studies tend to be low. Randomized clinical trials are the best way to compare the risks and benefits of gastric bypass and gastric banding surgeries, and information from only one such trial was available for analysis. Future studies will hopefully shed even more light on the relative merits of different bariatric surgery treatments.

The Results

The available research data shows both advantages and disadvantages to each type of bariatric surgery. Some of the main issues considered include:

Weight loss

When patients’ weight loss results were compared one year after surgery, a 25% difference was found in the amount of weight lost by the two groups. The difference favored the gastric bypass group, with patients who underwent that procedure consistently having better weight loss outcomes. In the highest quality study – the only randomized clinical trial – only 4% of the gastric bypass patients failed to lose weight, while 35% of the gastric banding group did not lose their excess weight [5].

Resolution of comorbidities

Gastric bypass patients were more likely to experience resolution or improvement of weight-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea [6,7]. One study, consisting of patients with a pre-surgery BMI of 50 or above, found that all diabetic patients treated with gastric bypass surgery were subsequently able to control their blood glucose levels without medication, compared to only 40% of patients who were treated with gastric banding.

Complications & recovery

Gastric banding surgery is generally considered less invasive than gastric bypass as well as potentially reversible, and this is reflected in a shorter operating time (by a median of 68 minutes), fewer short-term complications, and a subsequent hospital stay that was on average 2 days shorter. Mortality rates, although low for both procedures, also appear to be slightly lower for gastric banding. However, long-term complications were more likely to occur in patients who had received gastric banding surgery rather than gastric bypass.

Patient satisfaction

Only one of the studies examined reported information regarding patient satisfaction with their procedure; in that study, patients who received gastric bypass surgery were more satisfied overall than those who underwent gastric banding. While approximately 80% of the gastric bypass group was very satisfied with the procedure, only 46% of the gastric banding group reported being very satisfied. In addition, none of the gastric bypass patients indicated they were unsatisfied with the procedure or regretted having it performed [8].

Depending on your particular situation and concerns, you may find that one type of surgery is better suited to you than another. There are many factors to consider, including your initial BMI, your particular health concerns, your doctor’s recommendation, and the country in which you plan to have the surgery performed. However, the overall results tended to favor Roux-en-Y gastric bypass over laparoscopic adjustable banding. If you are planning to have your surgery performed in the United States, there doesn’t appear to be a compelling reason to deviate from the standard procedure.
References

1. Zhao Y, Encinosa W. Bariatric Surgery Utilization and Outcomes in 1998 and 2004. Statistical brief #23. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2007.

2. Bennett W. Dietary treatments of obesity. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1987; 499:250-263.

Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2004;292:1724-1737.

3. Tice et al. Gastric Banding or Bypass? A Systematic Review Comparing the Two Most Popular Bariatric Procedures. The American Journal of Medicine. 2008;121.

4. Angrisani L, Lorenzo M, Borrelli V. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 5-year results of a prospective randomized trial. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2007;3:127-133.

5. Cottam DR, Atkinson J, Anderson A, et al. A case-controlled matched-pair cohort study of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and Lap-Band patients in a single US center with three-year follow-up. Obes Surg. 2006;16:534-540.

6. Weber M, Muller MK, Bucher T, et al. Laparoscopic gastric bypass is superior to laparoscopic gastric banding for treatment of morbid obesity. Ann Surg. Dec 2004;240:975-983.

Bowne WB, Julliard K, Castro AE, et al. Laparoscopic gastric bypass is superior to adjustable gastric band in super morbidly obese patients: a prospective, comparative analysis. Arch Surg. 2006;141:683-689.

About the Author

Matthew Denos is a medical researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He has a particular interest in the field of obesity treatment and sympathizes with people who have found that diet and exercise alone are not effective enough to control their weight. Matthew enjoys reading and writing articles related to weight loss and diet programs and enjoys publishing information about the latest research findings on obesity research. His website can be visited at coupon for bistromd diet nutrisystem promo code find coupon codes for medifast.

Young Oscar Contender Drawing Praise & Concern

Gabourey Sidibe is young, confident, up for an Oscar in her first movie role. And despite reportedly weighing a very Hollywood-unfriendly 300 pounds, she is drawing celebrity praise. Ellen DeGeneres says, “You stay exactly who you are! Don’t ever let this town change you. You’re amazing.” The 26-year old star of the film “Precious” has been called beautiful and a role model in the big leagues. Back at home in Dallas, Quinthelyn Leejoy says, “I think she’s pretty.” Josh Jacobs adds, “To find that kind of confidence and success at that young age is pretty amazing.” Jenny Berryhill agrees, “To be confident in herself, that’s really awesome.” Lola Curry sums it up, “She’s beautiful.” But in a nation and state where an estimated 1 in 3 people is obese and it ranks as a leading cause of preventable deaths, some are saying Sidibe’s performance should be praised. But in regards to her weight, Dr. Nick Nicholson with Forest Park Medical Center says, “The problem is 15-20 years from now when she develops diabetes, high blood pressure and all of the factors that go along with obesity.” Dr. Nicholson says obesity is not a lack of willpower. It can be cured. He says, “It is education, awareness. It is starting to understand obesity for what it is. It’s a disease, not a social problem.” Sidibe admits wrestling with her weight, going on her first diet at age 6. The road to being comfortable in her own skin came in her early 20’s. Gabourey Sidibe says, “One day I had to sit down with myself and decide that I loved myself no matter what my body looked like and what other people thought about my body.” , But Jenny Berryhill, a Farmers Branch woman who lost 60 pounds in 2 years, still worries about Sidibe’s health. So does her husband. Johnathan Berryhill says, “Is she going to be on medicine? What’s her quality of life going to be like, you know for her kids sake?”

Copyright © 2010, KDAF-TV Full Story

North Texas is a hotbed for weight-loss surgeries, yet many candidates for the procedure complain it’s still too difficult to get health insurers to pay.

By one doctor’s informal calculations, Dallas is the country’s No. 1 market for weight-loss surgeries. It’s nearly impossible to sit through a 30-minute midday TV program or sift through a newspaper without being pitched an opportunity to transform your body. Industry observers say the market here is supported by a high concentration of bariatric surgeons and one of the nation’s worst rates of obesity-related diseases.

Texas ranks in the top quarter of the country for percentage of residents with Type 2 diabetes, one of the most common and deadly obesity-related diseases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Within the state, Dallas fares worse than other big cities. Diabetes patients see Dallas doctors nearly twice as often as they do in Houston, according to a study by Pennsylvania researcher SDI Health LLC.

Some, like Terry Johnson, 45, of Burleson, say they are denied coverage for surgery because of unfair prerequisites or an outright unwillingness to pay. He wants weight-loss surgery because obesity has made him sickly.

Johnson – 260 pounds, 5 feet 11 inches tall, with diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure – said he has not been able to get the surgery because his health insurer repeatedly denied his requests and he can’t afford to pay for it himself.

Johnson’s weight has kept him from a good night’s sleep, even with a prescribed breathing machine. That has made him prone to sinus infections, colds, bronchitis and voice loss. At night, his wife stays on guard to shake him in case he stops breathing – again.

“She says it sounds like a big freight train,” Johnson said.

His doctor, Dr. Nick Nicholson, has grown frustrated with denials for coverage. Nicholson owns the Nicholson Clinic in Plano and is medical director of weight-loss surgery programs at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.

He calculated that Dallas ranks No.1 in bariatric surgeries, based on data he has received from national suppliers of weight-loss surgical tools.

“But for every 100 people that come in, less than half will get the surgery,” Nicholson said.

Some policies require patients to prove they’ve tried dieting, exercise, medication and psychotherapy, but many of those policies do not pay for the prerequisites, Nicholson said. In addition, submitting the correct paperwork to prove requirements are met can take months or longer if it’s lost in the shuffle, Nicholson said.

A quarter of patients considering bariatric surgery are denied insurance coverage three times before getting approval, and about 60 percent report their health worsened during this waiting period, according to an online Harris Interactive survey conducted in May 2008 of 280 surgeons and 400 weight-loss surgery patients. (The American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, which has a financial interest in doing more surgeries, funded the survey.)

Documentation

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, the state’s largest health insurer, requires a body mass index of 40 or more. It will OK a surgery with a BMI of 35 as long as the patient has two of the following: hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis or dyslipidemia, a blood condition.

In addition, it requires documentation that the patient has stopped growing taller and has completed an evaluation from a licensed counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist within 12 months.

“Practically speaking, we’d prefer to intervene well before a member reaches the point where bariatric surgery is an option,” said Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, vice president and chief medical officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.

“At that point, a lot of ground has already been lost, and no matter which treatment is chosen, the person will have experienced preventable disease and distress, and it will be very expensive to treat the patient.”

Obesity costs the nation more than $75 billion a year and Texas more than $5 billion a year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which looked at direct medical costs linked to obesity.

Patients and surgeons, however, argue that the cost of surgery – in Johnson’s case, $12,000 – more than justifies the long-term cost of rebandaging obesity-related ailments.

“They know I’ve been to the doctor for all these other illnesses,” said Johnson, who would like to get down to 180 pounds. “They have to know, because they’re paying the bill.”

Employers’ option

To be sure, insurers may not be to blame if they offer weight-loss surgery but the employer rejects the coverage option for workers. Most large employers in Dallas are self-insured and typically use an insurance carrier as an administrator.

The time it takes for payback also may discourage insurers from approving surgeries, Nicholson said.

“Insurance companies save money on weight-loss surgery but don’t want to pay for it because the average member retention rate is lower than the time it takes to save money,” Nicholson said.

If an employee receives the surgery and soon afterward finds a new job, the insurer misses out on the employee’s better health and lower medical claims.

That logic, however, is debatable. A study in the September issue of The American Journal of Managed Care said insurers recover their costs for bariatric surgery in two to four years, depending on the type of surgery performed.

Across the board, insurers are routinely updating their guidelines and approving more weight-loss surgeries as the procedures become safer.

Aetna Inc. has approved 40 percent more weight-loss surgeries every year – 4,200 in 2006, 6,000 in 2007 and 8,500 in 2008. Numbers for 2009 have not been calculated but are expected to also be up 40 percent, said Aetna spokeswoman Anjie Coplin.

John Baker, president of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, said insurers have eased their prerequisites to surgery. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas used to require six months of medical supervision before approving the surgery but has changed it to three months, Baker said.

“I applaud them for making the treatment decisions they have been making,” Baker said.

Baker said the next step is to get insurers to pay for follow-up care. He said he has a dietitian in his office as a benefit to patients because many insurers won’t cover them.

Last month was national Diabetes month and Dr. Nick Nicholson was featured in the White Rock Lake Weekly publication. He wrote an article with six tips to help you stay focused on your diet during the holiday season. Thanksgiving has already past, but Christmas is not too far away so these tips are great ways to stay on track. Below is the full article that Dr. Nick wrote for the White Rock Lake Weekly.

The holidays are hard enough for those without eating restrictions, but for the 24 million people in America living with diabetes – it can be daunting.

The good news is it doesn’t have to be. American Diabetes Month in November kicks off the holiday season with Stop Diabetes, a national movement to help us confront, fight and, most importantly, stop diabetes. Through aware- ness and education, getting through the holidays with diabetes can be simple.

• Pre-eat
  If you eat something small before going out, you are more likely to stick with smaller portions and better choices when you get to meal time. If you will be eating off your scheduled meal, it will serve as a snack to get you through.
• Plan ahead
  Don’t worry about what is being served at the party. Revamp your favorite holiday recipe and offer to bring a dish that you and others can enjoy.
• Party in moderation
  If the food being served is during a typical meal time, keep the portions small and try to eat the same amount of carbohydrates you normally would during your meals. Savor the food and eat slowly.
  If you want to indulge in sweets, watch out for starchy foods and savor a small piece of something special. The same goes for alcohol – remember to eat something first to prevent a drop in blood glucose levels and keep it to no more that one drink for women, two for men.
• Navigate, then partake
  Look around at your options and see what is available. Decide what foods are must haves and what is optional. Load up with diabetic-friendly foods first and then go back for a few extras.
• Focus on the fun, not the food
  Once you have eaten, mix and mingle with family and friends for an optimal holiday experience.
• Get back on track
  If you get caught up in the moment and overindulge, get back on track the next day or during the next meal. Include an extra exercise session, monitor glucose levels and return to eating as you usually do. Just because you eat badly at one meal, doesn’t mean the whole day is ruined.

Remember, while American Diabetes Month is one month, diabetics deal with the challenge of balanced meal planning every day. To find more information about American Diabetes Month or American Diabetes Association, please go to www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES. To find more information on Dr. Nick Nicholson or the Nicholson Clinic, please go to www.nicholsonclinic.com or call (972) 535-8269.

No weight loss journey is the same. Everyone’s got a different story to tell. What someone might consider a failure, others might take to be an achievement. There are lots of different ways to measure your body, but the key to truly understanding your body is knowing how to interpret the numbers.

Earlier this week The Dallas Morning News published an online article that attempts to explain the meaning behind all those confusing body composition numbers. Our very own Dr. Nick was sited as an expert source!

Do you really know what BMI is? Well, it is your most important number. Body Mass Index is your weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Got it? Well, if not you can calculate your BMI here (at the bottom of the page.)

However, understanding your BMI is not as simple as reading a number.

Dr. Nick Nicholson, bariatric surgeon on the Baylor Plano medical staff, estimates that by BMI standards, many Dallas Cowboys players would be considered morbidly obese.

The doctors agree that you shouldn’t judge your fitness by the standards of a professional athlete. At the same time, Nicholson adds that exercise is such an important component of fitness that people with a BMI of 30 who exercise four days a week have a lower risk of a heart attack than people with a BMI of 24 who don’t exercise.

Read the full article for more information on waist circumference, weight, triceps skin-fold thickness, and bone size. PLUS a handy fitness tip straight from Dr. Nick that is easily fit into an ordinary day.

Don’t Sweat The Scale – Other Numbers May Be Better Fitness Indicators on dallasnews.com

Surgery to Remove Hanging Skin
Though continued exercise and fat loss will help reduce hanging skin around the abs, inner thighs and underarms, a surgical procedure is likely necessary to remove the loose skin. While weight loss surgery is often covered under medical insurance plans, skin removal is considered cosmetic surgery and is not covered by insurance. Prevention is the ideal way to deal with loose, hanging skin due to weight loss.

Prevent Loose Skin After Weight Loss

•     Exercise regularly to tighten and tone problem areas
•     Follow a healthy diet plan
•     Do resistance training 3 times a week to build new muscle for the skin to adhere to
•     Count calories
•     Don’t follow an extremely restrictive diet
•     Drink a lot of water
•     Lose weight slowly
•     Talk to your doctor about healthy weight loss options

Ways to Tighten Loose Skin After Extreme Weight Loss

•     Continue to exercise regularly
•     Concentrate on strength training exercises
•     Eat lean poultry and other proteins with each meal
•     Try over-the-counter creams to tighten the loose skin
•     Consider surgical options to remove hanging skin
•     Change your BMI to tighten loose skin

If you’ve ever brought up the topic of weight loss around friends or at the office we’re sure you’ve heard about all the fabulous diets that are low carb, low fat, high protein… there’s a lot of crazy ideas. But the truth is it all comes down to your calorie intake and your level of commitment.

You don’t have to take our word for it, earlier this year The New England Journal of Medicine published its results from a study on the comparison of weight-loss diets with different compositions of fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
The study compared four different types of diets using over 800 overweight participants.

Low-fat, average protein: 20 percent fat, 15 percent protein, 65 percent carbohydrate.
Low-fat, high protein: 20 percent fat, 25 percent protein, 55 percent carbohydrate.
High-fat, average protein: 40 percent fat, 15 percent protein, 45 percent carbohydrate.
High-fat, high-protein: 40 percent fat, 25 percent protein, 35 percent carbohydrate.

The test even included group and individual counseling sessions, food guidelines, and moderate levels of exercise.
The results after two years was the average weight loss was around 8.5 pounds regardless of the carbs, fat, or protein content of their diet. So the core message here is that as long as you follow a calorie reduced diet, the nutritional approach you choose has little effect on your weight loss. The major determining factor is the patient’s level of commitment.

Bad eating habits are hard to break and it can lead to health problems if they are not addressed properly. FOX News has a great article that lists 5 tips to overcome bad eating habits.

Bad Eating Habit No. 1: You Overeat
The explanation: You ignore the screams from your satiated stomach and continue to cram morsel after morsel down the hatch.

The root of the problem: A lack of discipline.

The solution: Overeating is often the result of intense hunger. To battle the binge, try to eat before you are overly famished. When eating, eat slowly and savor each bite. It takes the brain some time to register a feeling of fullness, so slowing your pace will keep your portions at a healthy size. Lastly, try to bring greater discipline into all areas of your life. Getting yourself organized is a great way to start.

Bad Eating Habit No. 2: You Dig Junk Food
The explanation: You rewrote the food guide to include only one major food group: junk food.

The root of the problem: Convenience.

The solution: There is a reason that junk food is called “junk.” Your typical junk foods are rarely nutritious while your typical snack foods are rarely satisfying, making it easy to overindulge. Much of the problem with today’s dieting lies with boredom. People get tired of eating the same food day after day, and junk foods offer a convenient escape. Don’t become a slave to this convenience. Healthy foods can offer the same variety as junk, but the motivation to opt for change will have to come from within. To get started, find inspiration for innovative foods from outside sources, like a cooking class. Who knows? You might even meet a cute lady friend along the way.

Bad Eating Habit No. 3: You’re a Speed-Eater
The explanation: Each and every meal is a time trial, and you’re constantly trying to better your best.

The root of the problem: Stress.

The solution: If you’re stressed on time or have a lot on your mind, chances are that it’ll show in your eating. Your solution then is to actively try and slow down. You can help yourself by avoiding finger foods. Instead, choose more complicated food items that will require utensils and time to finish. Tackle the root of the problem by learning some stress-reduction techniques like meditation.

Bad Eating Habit No. 4: You Eat Vegas-Style
The explanation: You’re a saint during the week but you let yourself go on the weekends.

The root of the problem: A lack of discipline.

The solution: Whether you are trying to lose weight or simply maintain it, five days of hard work can easily come undone from a weekend of bad binge eating. If eating out is your problem, eat lightly before you go out to lessen your hunger. And don’t restrict yourself too much during the week so that the weekend becomes less of a treat. Heck, even Dr. Ian lets himself go from time to time: “No one can eat healthy all the time. It’s just not practical,” he says.

Bad Eating Habit No. 5: You’re a Mindless Muncher
The explanation: The second you’re in front of a TV, you hit cruise control and stop paying attention to the food flowing into your mouth.

The root of the problem: Varied.

The solution: Spaced-out eating can be a symptom of various causes. Perhaps you’re stressed and attempting to take your mind off the burden or maybe it’s just convenient to eat your dinner with your favorite show. Whatever the reason, the habit needs to stop. Try and identify the root of the problem first, and if possible tackle that. Then do yourself a favor and separate food from television. If you must snack, have a suitable portion prepared before you sit down. At best, try to eat major meals only when you’re fully engaged.

Article from foxnews.com

Obesity could become the top cause for cancer in women, according to European researchers. Being significantly overweight–or obese–presently accounts for about 8 percent of cancers in Europe. Health experts are saying that percentage will increase substantially as the obesity epidemic continues to rise. At the same time, current major causes of cancer, such as smoking and hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women, continues to drop.

“Obesity is catching up a rate that makes it possible it could become the biggest attributable cause of cancer in women within the next decade,” said Andrew Renehan, a cancer expert at the University of Manchester. Renehan and a team of experts created a model to estimate the number of cancers that could be attributed to being obese in 30 European countries. In 2002, they calculated 70,000 cases of cancer out of about 2 million cancer cases were linked to obesity. By 2008, that number had increased to at least 124,000. Renehan presented his findings in a joint meeting of the European Cancer Organisation and the European Society for Medical Oncology in Berlin on Sept. 24.

While the studies were conducted in Europe, similar findings are expected in the United States, and are being studied by cancer experts here. Colorectal cancer, breast cancer in menopausal women and endometrial cancer accounted for 65 percent of all cancers linked to being overweight. Renehan said that in the U.S., some studies found obesity was responsible for up to 20 percent of cancers currently.

Researchers aren’t positive why being significantly overweight boosts a person’s cancer risk, but it is suspected to be connected to hormones. As people become increasingly overweight, they produce more hormones like estrogen that can aide in the growth of tumors. Persons with large bellies also have increased acid in their stomachs, which can lead to stomach, intestinal, or esophageal cancer.

Renehan said new strategies are needed to help people stay slim beyond simply telling them “to lose weight.”