A WHO study shows postmenopausal women with excess weight and heart disease face a higher risk of breast cancer. Each 5 kg/m² BMI rise raises risk, especially in women with cardiovascular issues. Type 2 diabetes showed no added effect
The study has implications for health in later life as it is well known that women who started their periods at an early age may be at higher risk for diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, and diseases of the heart and blood vessels
Research found that every one per cent increase in muscle fat was associated with an increase of two per cent in risk of coronary microvascular dysfunction -- when small blood vessels of heart malfunction -- and that of seven per cent for serious heart disease, irrespective of known risk factors