Latest news with #WageningenUniversity
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Key body measurement linked to 18% greater risk of bowel cancer – are you at risk?
WITH bowel cancer rates rising in younger adults around the world, experts are desperately searching for possible causes. Risk factors like diet, alcohol and smoking could be explanations, say experts. Now, researchers have found being overweight as a child, teenager and young adult is linked to higher risk of bowel cancer in later life. A higher birth weight was also associated with an increased chance of developing the disease, according to the new study. Experts in the Netherlands reviewed 37 studies on body weight in early life and the risk of colorectal cancer - also known as bowel cancer - in adults. Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps The research, which is published in the International Journal of Cancer, found an increase in BMI of 5kg/m2 heightened the risk of bowel cancer by 12 per cent in people aged 18 to 25. In youngsters aged 10 to 19, an increased BMI was linked to a 5-18 per cent risk of developing the disease, while in children aged two to nine, BMI was linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Meanwhile, each 1kg increase in birth weight was linked to a 9 per cent bowel cancer risk, the study found. Dr Dieuwertje Kok, associate professor of nutrition and cancer at Wageningen University & Research, said: "Although the relationship between adult body size and colorectal cancer risk is well-documented, the potential influence of measures of body size during early life is less understood. "The team was excited to review results from 37 publications that explored birth weight, as well as body mass index across different early life stages. "This study bridges the existing knowledge gap and enhances our understanding of how early life factors may affect colorectal cancer risk in adults." Popular drink is 'doubling' risk of bowel cancer in adults who have more than two per day Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with almost 44,000 new diagnoses every year. Dr Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, added: "Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps. "The results of this study show that raised body mass index across childhood through young adulthood is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer." To help keep your child's BMI in check, focus on promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and regular physical activity. Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy (or dairy alternatives). Reduce or eliminate sweets, sugary cereals, and sugary drinks. And encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily for school-aged children. Diet Eat a balanced diet: Prioritise fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains, which are rich in fibre. Limit red and processed meat: Reduce your intake of these, and consider swapping for chicken or fish. Consider adding more calcium: Research suggests that an extra 300mg of calcium per day, from sources like milk or calcium-fortified plant milks, may be beneficial. Avoid excessive sugar and fat: Limit sweets, cakes, crisps, and fizzy drinks. Physical activity Be active regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Lifestyle choices Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases bowel cancer risk. Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to increased risk. Quit smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for various cancers, including bowel cancer. Bowel cancer screening Take part in screening programmes: The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers screening for those over 50 in England and Wales and over 50 in Scotland.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Doctors discover vital new clue in search for cause of mystery bowel cancer explosion in under 50s
Being overweight as a child, teenager, and young adult has been found to increase your chances of developing bowel cancer as an adult, new research suggests. If you were born at a higher weight you are also more likely to develop the disease, the study found. This research plays an important role in better understanding the early origins of cancer, because it is a complex disease which develops over several decades. In young people between the age of 10 and 19, an increased BMI was linked to was linked to a 5-18 per cent risk of developing the disease, while in children aged two to nine, BMI was linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Meanwhile, each 1kg increase in birth weight was linked to a nine per cent bowel cancer risk, the study found. Dr Dieuwertje Kok, associate professor of nutrition and cancer at Wageningen University & Research, said: 'Although the relationship between adult body size and colorectal cancer risk is well-documented, the potential influence of measures of body size during early life is less understood. 'The team was excited to review results from 37 publications that explored birth weight, as well as body mass index across different early life stages. 'This study bridges the existing knowledge gap and enhances our understanding of how early life factors may affect colorectal cancer risk in adults.' Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with almost 44,000 new diagnoses every year. The analysis is part of World Cancer Research Fund International's Global Cancer Update Programme. Experts in the Netherlands reviewed 37 studies on body weight in early life and the risk of colorectal cancer – also known as bowel cancer – in adults. Dr Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, added: 'Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps. 'The results of this study show that raised body mass index across childhood through young adulthood is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer.'
New York Post
01-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Summer is in 50 days — 6 small changes you can make right now to get in shape
Summer is around the corner — do you feel like your body beach-ready? With 50 days to go before the solstice, two experts say that making a few small lifestyle changes now will pay off mightily when it's time to strut in the summer sun. No pricey jabs or crash diets required. Advertisement 'By setting small, specific, and attainable goals, you are more likely to achieve them. Success leads to more success,' Dr. Shiara Ortiz-Pujols, Director of Obesity Medicine at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, told The Post. She promises that a few healthy hacks can improve digestion, boost energy, and slim the waistline. 3 Drinking water before or after meals can help you feel fuller, which may lead to a habit of eating smaller meals. Drazen – Drink more water each day Proper hydration is a requisite for a healthy lifestyle, and research shows keeping your whistle wet can keep the pounds at bay. Advertisement A study conducted at Wageningen University in the Netherlands found that participants who drank milkshakes followed by a hearty gulp of water filled up faster than those who just drank a small amount of water. Drinking water before or after meals can help you feel fuller, which may lead to a habit of eating smaller meals. Water is also beneficial because it can help distract us from other, less healthy beverages, such as sodas and energy drinks. Prioritize protein Advertisement Protein is composed of amino acids, which support immune function, neurotransmitter and hormone synthesis, and muscle growth. High protein intake also boosts metabolism and reduces appetite, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss. 'Eating balanced meals with enough protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings and energy crashes,' John Emmanuel Delos Reyes, Registered Dietitian at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, told The Post. Advertisement High-protein foods include chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, tofu, chickpeas, lentils, milk, yogurt, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. While red meat is rich in protein, experts warn that a high intake may increase your risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. 3 High-protein intake boosts metabolism and reduces appetite, resulting in lower calorie intake and weight loss. djile – Move more According to the National Health Service, adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of strength training per week. 'Although 150 minutes of physical activity sounds like a lot, you can work towards this amount by setting more modest goals. Start with 10 minutes of activity in the morning each day, then increase by 10 minutes each day,' said Ortiz-Pujols. Sleep smarter Adults are encouraged to snooze seven to nine hours for optimal health, but only 30% to 45% of Americans follow this recommendation. Poor sleep can raise the risk of dementia, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and even certain cancers. 'Establish a sleep routine — commit to a bedtime and a time to shut off your devices. A better quality of rest leads to improved mental clarity, increased energy, and greater overall well-being,' Ortiz-Pujols advised. She notes that chronic sleep deprivation sabotages weight loss by increasing cravings and leaving folks too tuckered to exercise. Advertisement 3 To maintain energy levels, Reyes recommends eating three home-cooked, protein-rich meals per day. Marina April – Eat in, eat often, and eat your vegetables Ortiz-Pujols recommends skipping takeout in favor of meal prep and cooking at home. 'Not only will you eat less processed foods, but you will also save a lot of money.' Advertisement To maintain energy levels, Reyes suggests eating three home-cooked, protein-rich meals per day and incorporating at least two cups of vegetables per meal. 'Adding more vegetables increases fiber intake, which supports gut health, closely linked to mental well-being. And sticking to a regular meal schedule keeps cortisol, the stress hormone, in check,' he said. Prioritize mental health Supporting mental health is paramount to supporting healthy weight loss. 'Chronic stress can negatively affect your motivation, sleep, and energy levels, and let's not forget, make you crave more processed foods,' said Ortiz-Pujols. Advertisement She recommends beginning with five minutes of deep breathing, which has been proven to lower heart rate, release muscle tension, and change skin conductance, reducing the sense of fight or flight. 'By making these small changes, you are more likely to achieve a sustainable and healthy weight loss,' she added.
Jordan Times
11-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Mercy Corps, Dutch embassy celebrate success of Jordan Hortifuture project
The project aims to strengthen the broader horticulture sector (Photo courtesy of Mercy Corps) AMMAN — Under the patronage of Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat and in the presence of Dutch Ambassador to Jordan Harry Verweij, Mercy Corps held the closing ceremony for the Jordan Hortifuture project. The three-year project was funded by the Dutch embassy to Jordan and implemented through a consortium comprising Mercy Corps, Wageningen University, and 'Advance Consulting,' according to a statement for The Jordan Times. The project aimed to strengthen the broader horticulture sector across the whole value chain and improve the income opportunities and longer-term resilience of smallholder farmers in Balqa, Irbid, Ajloun, and Jordan Valley in Jordan, while including women, and youth. The project was implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Centre, the Jordan Cooperative Corporation, the Agricultural Credit Corporation, and the Jordanian Association of Olive Products Exporters. In his opening remarks, Country Director of Mercy Corps Jordan Darius Radcliffe emphasised the importance of cooperation and a shared vision for sustainability, innovation, and resilience in Jordan's agricultural sector. He also said "The project has made remarkable progress in supporting the agricultural sector, with 5,166 farmers receiving Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, enabling them to adopt more efficient and sustainable farming methods. As a result of the project's interventions, 65 per cent of participating farmers reported an increase in their income, demonstrating the programme's success in enhancing financial stability and expanding market opportunities. Verweij highlighted the importance of agriculture, saying, 'As a global leader in agriculture, the Netherlands values this vital sector. With 25 per cent of underprivileged households in Jordan relying on it for income, our partnership is crucial. I am confident the programme's impact will endure, strengthening Jordan's position as a sustainable agricultural producer. He added, 'We aim to be a stable and solid partner of Jordan as we know that Jordan strives to be the same to us, the Netherlands, and to the international community at large. We know we may count on Jordan to give that friendship to the Dutch.' Hneifat stressed that the project represents an outstanding model of cooperation and partnership in the agricultural and food security sectors. He expressed his gratitude to all those involved in its implementation and hoped to see more similar initiatives in the future. The closing ceremony was attended by representatives of the consortium members, project partners and stakeholders from various ministries, government entities, public and private sector institutions, and international organisations involved in the project's implementation. The event included comprehensive presentations and videos on the project's key objectives and success stories from beneficiaries. At the end of the ceremony, the project's donor, consortium members, and key partners who contributed to its success were honoured. The event also featured a bazaar, where a group of beneficiary farmers displayed a diverse range of their agricultural products, the statement said.
