Does Losing Weight Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer in African-American Men?

During a recent coaching session with a prostate cancer client, I listened closely as he explained how his weight had decreased while eating more plant-based on our program. He asked, “why didn’t you tell me that I’d lose weight on your program?” I thought for a second and replied, “it never crossed my mind to tell you that. I’m more concerned with you eating more plants and improving your health outcomes than promoting a weight loss program.”

Facts on Obesity and Prostate Cancer

Obesity is now linked to over 13 cancers and prostate cancer is no exception. Prostate cancer has dire consequences in African American men that are obese.

Their risk of low-grade prostate cancer increases by 122%
Their risk of high-grade prostate cancer increases 88%
Estimates are that 37% of African American men are obese compared to non-Hispanic White men
Prostate cancer kills 45 out of 100,000 African American men and 19 out of 100,000 non-Hispanic White men.

So why does obesity increase the risk of prostate cancer? It’s the fat cells! The more fat cells you have, the more your metabolism changes for the worse. Excess hormones are produced which help feed cancer progression and spread. Inflammation is increased in the obese body, which fuels cancer. And oxidation is increased.

“Antioxidants” is a “buzz word” in most mainstream news outlets today, and you may know they’re only contained in fruits and vegetables. So the foods that increase obesity, meats and simple carbs like bread, are lacking in key antioxidants that remove oxidation from the body. The more fruits and vegetables you eat the less oxidation sticks around and potentially lowers risk of developing prostate cancer.

Takeaway

African American men that are obese should work on losing weight in order to lower their risk of prostate cancer. A similar protocol as outlined in this study of vegan diet, stress reduction and exercise could reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Reference:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150416112822.htm

Barrington WE, et al. Difference in association of obesity with prostate cancer risk between US African American and non-Hispanic White men in the selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial (SELECT). JAMA Oncol. 2015;1:342.

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