April 2, 2003 – New studies shed light on some risks and even benefits associated with obesity.
First of all, obesity would lead to an increased risk of prostate cancer1. French researchers confirm that obese men are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from the disease than men of normal weight. Men who are simply overweight do not have an increased risk. These results confirm those obtained previously by Swedish, Danish and Irish researchers.
Then, the study during a dozen years of 130,000 men and women makes it possible to affirm that the risk of falling victim to cataracts increases in proportion to the body mass index (BMI). Researchers report that the risk of cataracts was 36% higher in people with a BMI over 30. The precise mechanism behind this association remains unclear, but it is believed that inadequate blood sugar control or elevated blood sugar levels. inflammatory components in the obese person could be involved.
Finally, even if it defies all logic, people who are overweight or obese would have a better chance of surviving a heart attack than others.
Researchers at Duke University have studied the survival rate of people who have had a myocardial infarction. To their surprise, they found that after one year, 2.2% of obese people had died, compared to 2.6% of very obese people, 2.7% of people who were overweight, and 4. 3% of people of normal weight. A similar trend exists for survival after 30 and 60 days.
The researchers are quick to point out, however, that their results should not trivialize obesity and that it remains a serious medical problem. Independent experts also take these results with a grain of salt, noting that they are taken from two studies carried out in two different countries and saying that other factors (such as the age of the subjects) could explain the rate of survival.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Reuters and HealthScout, April 1, 2003.
1. Irani J, Lefebvre O, Murat F, Dahmani L, Dore B. Obesity in relation to prostate cancer risk: comparison with a population having benign prostatic hyperplasia.BJU Int 2003 Apr; 91 (6): 482-4. [Consulté le 2 avril 2003].
