HEALTH & WELLNESS
OB/GYN
Doc
Develops
Texting
Program
PATIENTS LOSE
WEIGHT, DECREASE
CANCER RISK
By Vicki Bennington
I
Photo by King Yella
94
GAZELLE STL
t is not a secret that excess weight can cause health risks.
Most of us know that it can be related to Type 2 diabetes, high
blood pressure, joint damage, even respiratory problems.
Maybe not so well known is that obese women have a higher risk of
developing some cancers, including those associated with the female
reproductive system, like ovarian, and uterine (endometrial) cancer,
according to obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Eboni January, though
cervical cancer and breast cancer (before menopause) are not believed to
have the same connection.
Dr. January, who works at an urban health center in St. Louis, said in
addition to cancer risks, women who come into her office have three
main health concerns that can also be linked to weight - irregular periods;
trouble conceiving; or abnormal bleeding.
“But they don’t know that these problems could be solved by losing
weight. They just don’t know,” she said. “When they come in for a yearly
examination, I have a 40-minute discussion about how much difference
losing weight could mean for their health.
“And reducing weight lowers the cancer risk again,” she said.
Some patients told her they eat only once a day. Dr. January said it is
much better to eat several small meals spaced throughout the day, rather
than consuming the day’s calories all at once. As she coached patients
on ways to begin making a difference with diet, eating frequency and