Obesity Causes Almost 4 Percent of Cancer Cases Worldwide

Overweight and obesity, referred to as ‘excess body weight’, found to be linked to 3.9 percent of cancer globally.

A recent study used publicly available data to estimate regional and global trends of obesity for the past four decades and subsequently, established a link between high body mass index (BMI) and increasing prevalence of cancer.

Overweight and obesity, collectively referred to as ‘excess body weight’, was found to be linked to 3.9 percent of cancer globally.

In the study published in the journal Cancer, it is reported that the prevalence of excess body weight has been increasing worldwide since the 1970s, and in 2016, approximately 40 percent of adults and 18 percent of children (ages 5-19 years) had excess body weight, equating to almost 2 billion adults and 340 million children.

The association of excess body weight with cancer survival has not been well established mainly because of methodological challenges in evaluating the association regarding reverse causation (cancer causing weight loss). However, a growing body of evidence suggests that excess body weight portends less favorable outcomes for several cancers. The most consistent evidence has been generated from studies among breast cancer survivors.

As reported in Times Now, Hyuna Sung, a participant researcher of the study, said,

In particular, not many people are aware of the link of overweight/obesity to cancer risk.

The researchers predicted that by 2030, 21.7 million new cancer cases and 13 million cancer deaths might occur around the world. Excess body weight might account for almost four percent of the global cancer cases.

With respect to gender and the link between excess body weight and cancer, the number of cancer cases for women was double that of men, with breast cancer being one of the highest contributors of the former, and liver cancer of the latter.

The simultaneous rise in excess body weight in almost all countries is thought to be driven largely by changes in the global food system, which promotes energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, alongside reduced opportunities for physical activity. 

Hyuna Sung

In order to counter this health issue, the researchers recommend population-level efforts along with enhancing access to health care interventions institutionally and in educational programmes.