Learning Objectives

After completion of this module students will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between obesity and certain types of cancer.
• Describe the relationship between diet, physical activity, and bone health.
• Describe the theories behind why adolescent overweight may lead to increased fractures.
• Explain the critical window of time when peak bone mass occurs and strategies for improving bone health through diet and exercise.

Key Concepts - Cancer

• Cancer is the #2 cause of death for all ages and #1 over age 85.
• Lung, prostate/breast, and colon are the three most common types of cancer.
• Early detection of breast cancer has led to 90% survival rates 5 years after diagnosis.
• 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented through lifestyle changes. Obesity increases one’s risk for cancer.
• Obesity has been linked to 90,000 different cancer deaths each year, and excess body fat could account to 25-50% of occurrences of certain types of cancers.
• Inflammatory hormones, increased insulin, and increased glucose (all of which are associated with obesity) are known to promote changes consistent with tumor development.

Key Concepts - Adolescent Bone Health

• Build peak bone mass early in life to reduce bone loss later.
• Adolescence is when you can most influence peak bone mass.
• Good nutrition and exercise can improve bone mass during this critical window.
• Increased risk for fracture is also related to obesity, particularly childhood obesity.
• A 10% increase in peak bone mass could delay osteoporosis by 13 years and reduce fractures by 50%.
• Children who avoid milk are 35% more likely to have fractures.
• Compared to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, most children fall short of recommended intake of calcium and other nutrients.

Video Microlectures

• Video: Obesity and Cancer
  Dr. Dorothy Teegarden, Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University

• Video: Adolescent Bone Health
  Dr. Connie M. Weaver, Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University

Optional Readings

• Sauter, E. R., Scott, S., Hewett, J., Kliethermes, B., Ruhlen, R. L., Basarakodu, K., & de la Torre, R. (2008). Biomarkers associated with breast cancer are associated with obesity. Cancer Detection & Prevention, 32, 149-155. doi:10.1016/j.cdp.2008.06.002
• Weaver, C. M., McCabe, L. D., McCabe, G. P. Novotny, R. Van Loan, M., Going, S., Matkovic, V., Boushey, C., & Savaiano, D. A. (2007). Bone mineral and predictors of bone mass in white, Hispanic, and Asian early pubertal girls. Calcified Tissue International, 81, 352-363. doi: 10.1007/s00223-007-9074-5