Ovarian Cancer and Weight Management

As noted by the National Cancer Institute:

Having excess body fat as measured by body mass index (BMI), including during the teen years, increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Diet and nutrition during the teen years may play a role in prevention.

We know that being overweight is not good for overall health as well as may increase your risk for ovarian cancer. The BMI chart is one way to see where your weight falls. Use this calculator to find your BMI now. If obtaining the "normal" weight range according to this chart is unachievable for you, you may even see health benefits with as little as a 10 percent weight loss.

Healthy eating and increasing your level of physical activity can help you lose weight. The American Institute for Cancer Research provides excellent guidelines to help you achieve a healthy body weight.

• Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.

• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.

• Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods (particularly processed foods high in added sugar or low in fiber, or high in fat).

• Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans.

• Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.

• If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.

• Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium).

• Don't use supplements to protect against cancer.

Other Suggestions

• Keeping a food journal. Food journals are excellent tools to help you identify areas for improvement.

• Increase fruit and vegetable consumption to nine servings per day. This helps you feel full on a lower calorie intake plus provides you with excellent cancer fighting compounds such as antioxidants and phytochemicals.

• Eat at least three meals per day. It is a well known fact that people who skip breakfast, tend to eat more calories later on in the day. This pattern of eating may also decrease your metabolism.

Click here to view more recipes or call 215-829-6560 to make an appointment with a registered dietitian.

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.