Obesity Increases the Risk of Over 10 Types of Cancers

Obesity is a serious problem and adversely impacts health and longevity. If unchecked, obesity can precipitate irreversible adverse effects, such as cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) states, “Being overweight and having obesity are linked with a higher risk of getting 13 kinds of cancers”. These cancers include – esophageal adenocarcinoma, stomach cancer, colon and rectum cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, uterus cancer, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, and multiple myeloma.

Excessive adipose tissue (or fats) accumulation in the body increases estrogen production – which may precipitate endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer. Additionally, obesity escalates the insulin and insulin-like growth-factor levels in the blood – hyperinsulinemia, thus increasing the cancer predilection. Furthermore, obesity is also associated with inflammatory states, which heightens the physiological oxidative stress and DNA damage. These also contribute to a higher predisposition to carcinogenesis.

Both higher birth-weight, as well as weight gain during adulthood, increases the cancer risk. The most effective measures for weight loss are adhering to a diet plan that includes the required proportions of all nutrients, adding seasonal fruits and vegetables to the diet, minimizing processed food intake, and incorporating physical exercise into the daily routine.

Recommendations suggest that 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or brisk walking or 75 minutes of high-intensity physical activity each week can effectively ensure weight management.