Recent studies indicate that approximately half of all cancer cases are associated with obesity, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and dietary control. Conducted by Sweden's Lund University and spanning about 40 years with 4.1 million participants, the research closely monitored weight fluctuations and lifestyle choices. During this period, over 332,000 cancer cases were identified.
The report notes that 40% of these cases showed a correlation between excess weight and cancer development, encompassing 32 types of cancer. This is a significant increase compared to previous international research, which identified only 13 types of cancer linked to obesity.
Researchers emphasised that established obesity-related cancers accounted for 25% of all cases studied, rising to 40% when potential obesity-related cancers were included. Maintaining a healthy weight, they stressed, could prevent a substantial portion of these cancers.
How Does Obesity Cause Cancer?
Talking to the team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Sriram Srikakulapu, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, shed light on how obesity causes cancer and what you can do about it.
“There are three primary ways in which obesity contributes to cancer development,” said Dr Srikakulapu. He listed:
- Obesity induces hormonal imbalance, particularly insulin resistance, leading to elevated insulin levels that spur cell proliferation and cancer progression.
- Fat cells in obese individuals produce estrogen, known to promote gynaecological cancers such as breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
- Obesity triggers a pro-inflammatory state within the body, escalating inflammation and the production of free oxygen radicals. These radicals can damage cellular DNA, paving the way for cancer initiation and progression.
- Obesity heightens the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease, elevating the likelihood of oesophagal cancer.
- Fat accumulation in the liver in obese people can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which emerges as a significant risk factor for liver cancer.
- Dietary habits contributing to obesity, such as excessive consumption of red meat, are also implicated in colon and stomach cancer development.
Preventive Measures for Obesity-Related Cancer
The challenges of obesity extend beyond cancer development, impacting the course of cancer treatment and post-treatment outcomes. Dr Srikakulapu said, “Obese cancer patients face heightened risks during treatment, including complications and reduced treatment efficacy. Additionally, factors like inactivity, fatigue, and psychological barriers contribute to post-treatment weight gain among cancer survivors, further exacerbating health risks.”
He suggested that taking proactive steps to manage weight is pivotal in mitigating the risk or recurrence of obesity-related cancers, ranking second only to smoking cessation in importance. He listed a few key strategies:
- Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 24.
- Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
- Opt for a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting consumption of high-density foods, sugary drinks, red meat, and processed foods.
- Practice portion control and mindful eating, following guidelines such as the 1-2-3 rule for meal composition.
- Stay hydrated and minimise alcohol consumption, adhering to recommended limits.
Embracing these lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers, promoting overall health and well-being. By prioritising healthy habits and making informed dietary choices, individuals can take proactive control of their health journey and reduce the impact of obesity on cancer risk and outcomes.