Which Diets Are Effective in Reducing Cardiovascular and Cancer Risk in Women with Obesity? An Integrative Review

Ana Paula Santos Rodrigues,Noushin Mohammadifard,Erika Aparecida Silveira,Nizal Sarrafzadegan,Priscilla Rayanne E Silva Noll,Cesar De Oliveira

doi:10.3390/nu13103504

Abstract

Women are more affected by obesity than men which increases their risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, it is important to understand the effectiveness of different types of diet in the context of women’s health. This review aims to summarize the scientific evidence on the effects of different types of diet for women with obesity and their impact on CVD and cancer risk. This review included epidemiological and clinical studies on adult women and different types of diets, such as the Mediterranean (MED) diet, the Traditional Brazilian Diet, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), intermittent fasting (IF), calorie (energy) restriction, food re-education, low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) and a very low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD). Our main findings showed that although LCDs, VLCD and IF are difficult to adhere to over an extended period, they can be good options for achieving improvements in body weight and cardiometabolic parameters. MED, DASH and the Traditional Brazilian Diet are based on natural foods and reduced processed foods. These diets have been associated with better women’s health outcomes, including lower risk of CVD and cancer and the prevention and treatment of obesity.

Highlights

Obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease which is a risk factor for other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and more than 13 types of cancer
Obesity increases the risk of postmenopausal and invasive breast cancers (BC), in addition to the risk of cardiovascular disease [2]
The interventions included were several types of diets, such as: the Mediterranean (MED) diet, the Traditional Brazilian Diet, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), intermittent fasting (IF), calorie restriction, food re-education, low-carb and very low-carb diet named as very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD)

Summary

Introduction

Obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease which is a risk factor for other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and more than 13 types of cancer. It has been associated with an increased mortality risk [1]. Obesity increases the risk of postmenopausal and invasive breast cancers (BC), in addition to the risk of cardiovascular disease [2]. In women with a normal body mass index (BMI) but with high body fat, the risk of postmenopausal invasive BC is elevated [3]. Obesity is one of the major risk factors for worse COVID-19 outcomes, including a higher risk of mortality [4]

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