FAT, FRUSTRATED, FORTY, AND FEMALE: ARE YOU AN ANDROID OR A GYNOID?
Obese women produce excess estrogen, which has been shown to promote breast cancer. Obesity may be classified in the android form, which is weight gain in the upper body, abdomen, shoulders, and nape of the neck, and the gynoid form, which affects the lower body, or the thighs and buttocks. Android obesity is associated with more pronounced metabolic and hormonal abnormalities, longer menstrual cycles, and various diseases, such as diabetes. Women with android obesity have decreased levels of sex hormone-binding protein and increased levels of estrogen, which may increase their risk of breast cancer.
The influence of body fat distribution on breast cancer risk was assessed. Various body measurements, including height, weight, and thigh, abdomen, suprailiac (flank), waist, and hip circumferences, were made on 216 patients with breast cancer and 432 normal subjects. Patients with breast cancer had greater ratios of waist-to-hip circumference than normal subjects.
The risk of developing breast cancer increased with increasing ratios of waist-to-hip circumference and suprailiac-to-thigh skin fold. Patients with breast cancer also had greater upper body obesity, such as within the skin folds of the triceps and biceps. The results suggest that women with android obesity are at a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Studies indicate that fermented soy and soy products help reduce the risk of breast cancer. If you or a family member has a history of breast cancer or are at risk for developing breast cancer, speak with your health care professional about how to use soy to your advantage in your quest to avoid breast cancer yet not gain excess water weight while using it.
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