When it comes to losing weight, people are more motivated by vanity than the chance of lowering their risk of cancer, the results of a new survey have found.


According to the survey, which was carried out by Cancer Research UK, 40% of people think looking good is an advantage of maintaining a healthy body weight. This compares to 32% who believe the advantage is that it lowers the risk of cancer.


At least two in three people however picked reducing the risk of heart disease as one of the advantages.


The organisation believes that the findings show a widespread lack of knowledge about the link between obesity and cancer. It points out that obesity increases the risk of bowel, stomach, oesophageal and kidney cancer, as well as cancer of the womb and breast in postmenopausal women.


Over 4,000 people took part in the survey. Respondents were offered a number of reasons to choose from, such as 'to make me feel healthier', 'to lower my risk of cancer' and 'to look good'.

Follow up:

Those in the 25-34 age group were the most image conscious. In fact, almost half (48%) said that looking good was a reason for a healthy weight, while just 34% picked cancer risk as a motivating factor.


"This research provides a real insight into the priorities many of us have when it comes to looking after our bodies and the low awareness of the link between obesity and cancer. We know for those who don't smoke, maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important things we can do to reduce our risk of cancer", said Dr Lesley Walker of Cancer Research UK.


The organisation lists 10 tips to help maintain a healthy lifestyle:


-Keep to a meal routine by eating at roughly the same time everyday.


-Choose reduced fat versions of foods such as dairy products and salad dressings and use sparingly.


-Try to walk 10,000 steps per day. Use a pedometer and remember that you can break up your walking throughout the day.


-Eat healthy snacks such as fruit and low calorie yoghurts, rather than chocolate and crisps.


-Check labels for the fat and sugar contents on foods.


-Be cautious with portions. Do not heap food on your plate unless it is vegetables.


-Break up your sitting time. Stand up for 10 minutes out of every hour.


-Choose water or sugar-free squashes. Unsweetened fruit juices are high in sugar so limit to one glass per day and remember alcohol is high in calories.


-Eat slowly and do not eat while watching television.


-Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables (400g) a day.


Source: Irish Health


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