Obesity in the United States is at epidemic portions. Childhood obesity is also on the rise and a large part of it is directly due to the abundance of fast foods, processed foods, sugary drinks and a more sedentary lifestyle than several decades ago.

When I was younger, it was before the days of computers, cells phones, tablets, internet and cable television. Most kids had little choice but to play outside and that play was usually active including walking and running around. There wasn’t that much on television, so we didn’t spend hours in front of the tube.

With the development of computers and internet, kids and adults have become more sedentary and glued to their electronic devices.

Unfortunately, many of us older folks are also spending more time with electronic devices, keeping in touch with the kids, grandkids and friends. As we get older, we also tend to spend more time relaxing for various reasons. Sometimes, other health issues force us to slow down other times, it’s just to retire and take a break from the hectic daily rat race of their careers.

Additionally, us older folks also enjoy the convenience of fast food, processed foods, starchy foods and sugary drinks. A number of folks turn away from sodas and drink more juices, but juices are also loaded with sugar, natural and added.

If all of this is bad enough, our metabolism often slows down as we get older, which can also result in our gaining pounds. Just look around while you are out shopping, at church or any other place with a number of older people and you will the growing number of older folks that have been adding extra pounds.

We already know that packing on the weight can increase our risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and more. But are you aware that putting on those extra pounds can also increase your risk of developing some types of cancer?

According to a new study:

“Being overweight or obese increases a person’s risk for at least 13 types of cancer, according to a new report. The cancers, which include those of the brain, esophagus, thyroid, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, kidney, uterus and colon, make up 40 percent of all diagnosed cancers in the U.S., according to the report.”

“In the report, published Oct. 3 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the researchers found that in 2014 alone, more than 630,000 people in the U.S.  had a type of cancer that was associated with being overweight or obese. These cases amounted to more than 55 percent of all cancers diagnosed among women and 24 percent of all cancers diagnosed among men in the U.S.”

“The link between a person’s weight and the risk of certain cancers may come as news to many, the researchers said. Though the relationships between a higher body-mass index (BMI) and chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are well-touted, researchers know far less about how a higher body weight may be linked to certain cancers.”

Like it or not, all of us who have put on those extra pounds need to make a concerted effort to lose those pounds for even more health reasons than before. None of us enjoy going on a diet or giving up so many of our favorite foods and drinks, but if you want to live longer and healthier, you don’t have much of a choice. We also need to get more active and start exercising more, even if it’s just walking every other day.