Obesity has become one of the most pressing health challenges of our time as rising obesity rates are directly linked with serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease across the world. But what many people may not realize is that obesity is also a leading cause of cancer. In fact, after smoking obesity is now considered the second most preventable cause of cancer.
The link between obesity and cancer is complex. Patients ask how excess fat can cause cancer. It affects the body through hormones, inflammation, immune function and cell growth which creates conditions conducive to cancer development.
In this blog, we will explain what obesity is, how it is connected to cancer, the mechanisms behind this connection and most importantly what steps you can take to lower your risk.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a condition where the body stores too much fat affecting health in serious ways. Doctors typically test this with a measurement known as"the Body Mass Index (BMI). It measures the weight of a person to their height to determine whether they are overweight or healthy.
For example, a healthy BMI usually falls in the early 20s range. When the number starts moving into the upper 20s a person is considered overweight. Once it crosses into the 30s it is classified as obesity.
Obesity develops due to a combination of factors such as:
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Unhealthy diet
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Lack of physical activity
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Genetics and family history
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Hormonal imbalances
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Lifestyle factors such as stress and poor sleep
How is Obesity Connected to Cancer?
Research has shown that obesity is linked to at least 13 types of cancer as some of the most common obesity related cancers include -
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Breast cancer
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Uterine-womb cancer
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Colorectal cancer
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Kidney cancer
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Pancreatic cancer
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Liver cancer
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Esophageal cancer
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Gallbladder cancer
About 1 in 10 cancer cases are linked to obesity and the numbers are steadily rising globally. In India, urbanization, unhealthy dietary patterns and reduced physical activity are causing obesity rates to grow contributing to higher cancer risks.
How Obesity Causes Cancer?
So how exactly does excess body fat contribute to cancer? Scientists have identified several mechanisms. Here are the most important ones explained simply:
1. Hormonal Changes
Fat tissue is not passive—it produces hormones. In obese individuals:
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Fat produces extra estrogen which is linked to cancers like breast and womb cancer.
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Higher levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1) encourage faster cell growth which increases the chances of abnormal cells turning into cancer.
2. Long-term Inflammation
Excess fat, particularly around the abdomen causes the body to remain in a state of low-grade and chronic inflammation.
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Unlike temporary inflammation during an infection or injury this ongoing inflammation damages healthy cells.
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Over time, this creates a “fertile ground” for cancer cells to grow.
3. Imbalance in Body Signals
Fat cells release chemical messengers that affect how the body functions.
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Leptin is higher in obese individuals and stimulates cell growth.
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Adiponectin which normally protects cells is reduced in obesity.
This imbalance encourages abnormal cell growth and survival.
4. Weakened Immune Defenses
Our immune system protects us by detecting and destroying abnormal cells but obesity weakens this defense system allowing cancer cells to escape detection and continue growing.
Other Risk Factors That Add to the Problem
Obesity is a key factor in increasing the risk of cancer, but it's not the only reason that is at play.
A variety of other factors can impact how much overweight individuals are affected:
Age: Gaining weight early in teenage years or early adulthood could increase the risk of developing cancer in the future.
Gender: Particularly after menopausal changes, women are more prone to cancers caused by obesity, such as breast cancer and Womb cancer.
Genetics and family history as Certain people could have genetic characteristics which make them more susceptible to the negative consequences of weight gain.
Kind of Cancer: Specific types, such as breast and colorectal cancer are more closely associated with obesity than other cancers.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
The best part is that obesity can be a controlled risk factor as it is possible to make changes to reduce the risk because small changes can provide substantial health advantages.
1. A healthy Diet
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Eat more fruits as well as vegetables, whole grains in addition to lean protein.
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Reduce the amount of processed food and drinks with sugar and the consumption of red meat and fried snacks.
2. Be Physically Active
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A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day.
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Cycling, yoga, walking and dancing can be effective.
3. Manage Your Weight
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The loss of 5-10 percent body fat may lower the chance of developing cancer.
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Focus on sustainable and gradual changes instead of focusing on quick fixes.
4. Encourage Healthy Habits
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Obesity prevention in early childhood and in adolescence reduces the chance of developing cancers related to obesity at the age of adulthood.
5. Seek Medical Support
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A professional consultation or treatment could be needed.
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Always consult a doctor before taking weight loss medications or treatments.
Conclusion
Obesity is a significant health problem that can increase the chance of developing cancer by altering hormones which leads to chronic inflammation and weakens the body's immune system. These conditions create conditions in which cancer is more likely to develop.
The positive side is that taking simple changes to your life like eating a balanced diet along with staying physically active and maintaining an ideal weight will significantly reduce the chance of getting cancer.
If you are worried about your weight or want professional advice regarding cancer treatment and prevention speaking with a specialist is necessary. In that case, consult Dr. Pooja Babbar, the best medical oncologist in Gurgaon and offers cutting-edge cancer treatment and individualized assistance to help patients control the risks of their lifestyle and maintain health.
