The Link Between Obesity and Cancer
Obesity and cancer have a well-established connection. Research shows that being overweight or obese increases the risk of at least 13 types of cancer. There are certainly additional lifestyle factors that impact the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis, but higher body mass index (BMI) is one of the most consistent characteristics of lifestyle risk.
How Can Obesity Cause Cancer?
Being overweight and obese causes cancer in a few ways.
Chronic inflammation: Fat cells attract immune cells that cause ongoing inflammation. Low-level inflammation can damage DNA and lead to cellular mutations.
High hormone levels: Obese women have higher-than-normal estrogen levels, which increases the risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
Insulin: Insulin resistance is often triggered or exacerbated by obesity. Elevated levels of insulation and another compound (IGF-1) cause cells to divide faster, which may lead to tumor growth.
How Much Does Obesity Increase Cancer Risk?
Obesity is one of several lifestyle (non-genetic) factors that impact cancer risk. Roughly 7-8% of all cancers can be linked to excess weight, be it overweight or obesity. The risk isn’t equal across all cancer types, however, and the degree to which individuals are obese also impacts cancer rates. Severely obese adults have nearly five times the risk level for endometrial cancer and double the risk for esophageal cancer.
Women also have a higher risk. 11% of cancers in females are linked to increased body weight compared to just 5% in men.
Related: GLP-1 Drugs May Lower Cancer Risk
Addressing the Underlying Causes of Obesity
There are both genetic and lifestyle causes of obesity, though research increasingly shows the importance of environmental factors shaped by socioeconomic and regional contexts.
Diet: High-calorie, ultraprocessed foods with high sugar content significantly increase the risk of becoming overweight or obese.
Lack of exercise: Sedentary lifestyles and high screen time lower caloric burn, leading to increased body weight.
Psychological and emotional factors: Chronic stress, depression, medications, and eating disorders can all contribute to weight gain.
Socioeconomic factors: Access to healthy foods, active lifestyles, and education all play an important role. Poverty is consistently an obesity risk factor.
It’s critical to note that obesity is not caused by a lack of willpower. There are too many genetic, psychological, and environmental factors to say that obese individuals “just need to eat less.” Obesity is a complex neurobiological disease that scientists continue to study.
Obesity Prevention Tips
Addressing controllable risk factors and seeking professional medical assistance when necessary can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy body weight over time.
A few useful tips to prevent obesity include:
Drink water: Staying hydrated may reduce your hunger drive. Water is a healthier substitute for sugary drinks.
Avoid processed foods: Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins instead of ultraprocessed foods. Avoid foods high in saturated fat and added sugars.
Exercise: Make time for 150 minutes of moderate activity; if possible, take up a sport such as running, cycling, or weightlifting under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Manage stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels and can lead to weight gain.
It’s always best to make healthy eating, exercise, and mindfulness a family activity. Healthy habits established early in your child’s life will significantly lower the risk of cancer and other lifestyle diseases.
Fight Obesity, Prevent Cancer
Less Cancer knows that access to healthcare, healthy foods, and safe places to be active saves lives. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Americans through education, access to care, and advocacy that prioritizes prevention. Learn more about our work and consider making a donation today.