obesity – Page 4 – watercress words by Dr Aletha

This information is current as of the date of original publication or update. It may have changed by the time you read this. I invite you to fact-check what you read here.

This information is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Before making health decisions, discuss with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider to decide what is right for you.

Update June 12, 2025

I suggest you review this updated post about breast cancer.

Observing Breast Cancer Awareness

In October, awareness of breast cancer is highlighted. This common cancer affects both women and men, with various types identified. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle. Early detection and preventive measures can significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the need for education and support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Keep reading

by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D. October 1, 2024June 12, 2025

From the original post-November 2015

Researchers at Cornell University see a potential link between obesity and breast cancer. Obesity may change the adipose (fat) tissue in the breast making it more susceptible to malignant (cancerous) changes. This may explain why breast cancer is sometimes more severe in patients who are also obese.

Body mass index chart — A BMI OF 30 or more represents obesity. BMI Chart created by Vertex42.com. Used with permission.

Because soy has similar effects to estrogen, there was concern that it might predispose women to breast cancer. but in a review of 7 medical studies, there was no association between dietary soy and breast cancer. Women who had previously had breast cancer has less risk of recurrence and lower mortality.

A 6 year study of 4000 women found a lower incidence of breast cancer in women who ate a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, as compared to a group following a “low fat” diet. (However, only 35 cancers occurred during this time, so the numbers are not significant enough to draw definite conclusions.)

bottle of olive oil — The Mediterranean diet provides many health benefits.

The Canadian National Breast Screening Study of almost 90,000 women found that smoking, especially long term smoking prior to a first pregnancy, increased the risk for breast cancer.

no smoking sign — Smoking adversely affects health in many ways.

The New Generation Breast Cancer Book — This is an affiliate link.

Dr. Eliza Port, a breast surgeon at The Mount Sinai Hospital has written this guidebook on breast cancer which shows patients

“How to Navigate Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options-and Remain Optimistic-in an Age of Information Overload “

In The New Generation Breast Cancer Book , Dr. Port “describes every possible test and every type of doctor visit, providing a comprehensive, empathetic guide that every newly diagnosed woman (and her family) will want to have at her side.”

Exploring the HEART of Health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

Today I am answering a medical question about my recent post on a new option for weight loss without using drugs or invasive surgery.

The ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2015. The device can be offered to adults with

BMI 30-40
At least one obesity-related condition- hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol

The device is placed into the stomach by going through the mouth and down the esophagus with a tube called an endoscope. It takes about 30 minutes and requires only a mild sedative, not general anesthesia. Once in the stomach the “balloon” is inflated; by taking up space in the stomach it can trigger a feeling of fullness.

ReShape Dual Balloon — The balloon sitting in the stomach. The esophagus is at the top entering the stomach.

Patients follow their eating and exercise plan and the device is removed in 6 months.

My reader asked if people with heartburn, reflux or a hiatal hernia can use the device safely and effectively. So first let’s understand what these mean.

Heartburn should probably be called “esophagus burn”. It’s that painful sensation in the chest due to acid from the stomach flowing backwards into the esophagus- that’s called reflux, or gastro-esophageal reflux, aka GERD (the D is added to call it a Disease if it’s frequent, persistent, or severe).

A hiatal hernia is related to GERD but not the same thing. To enter the stomach, the esophagus passes through a hole or hiatus in the diaphragm – the large flat muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. Sometimes this hole becomes stretched so much that part of the stomach gets pulled up into the chest (where it should not be). This enlargement is called a hernia, in this case a hiatal hernia.

In many cases a hernia is associated with reflux of stomach contents but the person may not experience heartburn. Or,a person can have reflux and heartburn without the hernia.

Here is an overview of heartburn from FamilyDoctor.org.

Thanks to Pixabay for this nice illustration of the digestive tract.

digestive organs — the human digestive system

Now to answer the question.

ReShape Medical writes on the web site that the device should not be used if the hiatal hernia is larger than 5 cm, about 2 inches. Even with a smaller hernia, it should not be used if reflux symptoms are severe and persistent.

Persons with any condition affecting the esophagus, stomach or intestines, or previous surgery in these organs probably should not consider this weight loss method. Unfortunately, since so many people experience gastrointestinal disease, this method’s use will be limited.

But there are other weight loss options so just because this one won’t work, don’t give up trying. Here are some other ideas to consider if you want to lose weight.

breaking up with junk food

using weight loss medication

how motivation helps manage weight

Thanks for asking and please, ask another medical question soon.