A new study conducted by the researchers from Oxford University has claimed that obese or overweight women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer as compared to others. The researches have also found that overweight women are even at a higher risk of breast cancer than those who drink or smoke heavily.

Researchers have stated that woman’s weight affect her sex hormone more than smoking and alcohol consumption. Women who are overweight or obese had high levels of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.

The results were based on the analysis of the health records of nearly 6,300 post-menopausal women. The results of the analysis revealed that post-menopausal women with high levels of oestrogen and testosterone are at a 2-3 times greater risk of breast cancer than women with the lowest levels.

Dr. Julie Sharp, of Cancer Research UK, said, “This is an important study as it helps to show how alcohol and weight can influence hormone levels, understanding their role in breast cancer is vital and this analysis sheds light on how they could affect breast cancer risk”.

Health experts have advised the authorities to raise awareness about the ill-effects of obesity among women.