Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers shared his views on ODI batting orders. He agreed with India coach Gautam Gambhir that these orders are overrated. De Villiers emphasized the need for teams to balance flexibility with clear player roles
Belly Fat Isn’t Just About Adding Inches; It Can Create A Cancer-Friendly Environment
Belly Fat Isn’t Just About Adding Inches; It Can Create A Cancer-Friendly Environment
We often think of belly fat as merely an aesthetic concern, something we notice when clothes feel tight or when we look in the mirror. But Dr Jeyhan Boman Dhabhar, Medical Oncologist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre warns that recent research paints a far more alarming picture. The fat deep inside the abdomen, fat we can't see or touch is metabolically active and behaves almost like an organ of its own. It influences hormones, immunity, and metabolism in ways that can create an environment where cancer can thrive.
This hidden fat is called visceral fat. Unlike the softer subcutaneous fat under the skin, visceral fat wraps itself around vital organs like the liver, stomach, pancreas, and intestines. “You might have seen people who appear thin but have a round, hard belly, that is often visceral fat," explains Dr Dhabhar. Its danger lies not in appearance but in what it does internally.
Chronic Inflammation: The Silent Spark
One of the biggest concerns, according to Dr Dhabhar, is inflammation. Visceral fat continuously releases inflammatory chemicals called cytokines into the bloodstream. These don't cause pain, so people rarely notice anything is wrong. “But at a cellular level, this chronic inflammation acts as a stress signal for the body," says Dr Dhabhar. Over time, it can damage DNA, impair cell repair, and trigger changes linked to cancers such as colorectal, pancreatic, liver, esophageal, and post-menopausal breast cancer, as well as certain blood cancers.
Hormonal Disruption and Insulin Resistance
Visceral fat also affects hormonal balance. It produces excess oestrogen and disrupts insulin pathways. Persistently high insulin levels often seen alongside insulin resistance increase diabetes risk and also stimulate abnormal cell growth. Dr Dhabhar explains that many cancers flourish in environments where insulin remains chronically elevated: “It becomes a kind of fertiliser for tumour cells."
Weakening the Immune System
We rely on our immune system to detect and eliminate abnormal cells. But visceral fat weakens this defence. Over time, it makes immune cells sluggish and less effective at spotting early cancer cells. Dr Dhabhar notes that cancer often grows by “evading the immune system" and visceral fat makes that escape far easier.
Impact on the Gut Microbiome
Visceral fat can also disrupt the gut microbiome, the trillions of bacteria that influence digestion, immunity, and inflammation. When the microbiome becomes imbalanced, inflammation rises, metabolism shifts, and the handling of cancer-causing substances becomes impaired. This, too, increases cancer risk.
The TOFI Problem: Thin Outside, Fat Inside
Many patients tell Dr Dhabhar, “Doctor, I'm not overweight, my weight is almost normal." But visceral fat doesn't always show on the scale. People who appear lean may still have high visceral fat due to lack of exercise, poor sleep, stress, and diets rich in refined carbohydrates and sugary foods. This is known as TOFI, thin outside, fat inside.
The Good News: Visceral Fat Is Modifiable
Visceral fat responds well to lifestyle changes. A 5–10% reduction in weight or even 20–30 minutes of brisk walking most days can lower inflammation and restore hormonal balance. Simple habits walking after meals, eating more fibre, getting enough sleep, and cutting down on packaged foods can make a noticeable difference.
“As an oncologist, I've seen how lifestyle changes can influence not just cancer treatment, but cancer prevention," says Dr Dhabhar. “We can't change our genes, but we can definitely change what's happening inside our bodies."
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Your Waistline Tells a Bigger Story
Your waistline is more than a number, it reflects internal health. Taking care of visceral fat today may help prevent a long list of diseases tomorrow. And as Dr Dhabhar emphasises, reducing belly fat isn't about looking good, it's one of the most important steps toward reducing cancer risk.
Source: News18
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Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers shared his views on ODI batting orders. He agreed with India coach Gautam Gambhir that these orders are overrated. De Villiers emphasized the need for teams to balance flexibility with clear player roles
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