People who are obese usually consume excess dietary fat and have an abnormally high, unhealthy proportion of body fat. Excess dietary fat plays a major role in diseases, particularly in cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Excess dietary fat increases cancer risk because it leads to an

• increase in the production of female hormone oestrogen, which can cause the formation of lumps and cysts in the breast that frequently lead to breast cancer.
• increase in absorption of carcinogens by body fats. These are stored long term in the body thus increasing the risk for cancer.
  

Scientists and doctors recommend that prevention of obesity begin early in life, based on healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. They advise people who are overweight or obese to avoid gaining additional weight, and to lose weight through dietary changes and regular exercise.

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