Obesity may account for more than 11% of cancer cases, study finds
(Tehran Ana)- A new study suggests that obesity may be linked to more than 11% of cancer cases—nearly twice previous estimates.
A recent study published in Cancer Communications has found that obesity may be responsible for more than 11% of cancer cases, challenging earlier estimates that placed the figure at around 5.5%
The research team analyzed health data from 458,543 participants in the UK Biobank project, who were followed for 12 years. During the study period, nearly 50,000 cases of various types of cancer were recorded among the participants
Unlike previous studies, the researchers did not rely solely on body mass index (BMI) to assess obesity. Their analysis also included waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, measurements that can provide a more accurate indication of the amount of fat accumulated in the body
The researchers also adjusted their statistical analysis to account for an important factor: many types of cancer can cause unintended weight loss years before diagnosis
This phenomenon may have weakened the apparent association between obesity and cancer in earlier studies. After accounting for this factor, the estimated proportion of cancer cases associated with excess weight rose from 5.5% to 11.5%
The association between excess body fat and cancer risk was found to be particularly pronounced among women and people under the age of 60
The researchers said the findings suggest that preventing and treating obesity may play a more important role than previously thought in reducing the risk of cancer
The findings are consistent with other recent research. A study published in JTO found that the accumulation of abdominal fat may increase the risk of lung cancer through a mechanism that weakens the body’s natural immune defenses
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reported that obesity may increase the risk of leukemia and contribute to its progression
