Obesity has emerged as a global epidemic in recent years, affecting both adults and adolescents. According to WHO, 13% of the world’s adult population was obese in 2016.

Among adolescents, the prevalence of obesity has doubled in the past two decades, making it one of the most significant public health concerns.

: Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It is the third most common cancer worldwide, with more than 1.8 million new cases and 862,000 deaths reported in 2018.

While there are several risk factors for bowel cancer, including age, gender, family history, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, recent research has linked adolescent obesity to a higher risk of bowel cancer.

: Adolescent Obesity and Bowel Cancer

While the link between obesity and bowel cancer has been studied extensively in adults, there has been limited research on the association between adolescent obesity and bowel cancer.

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology by an international team of researchers analyzed the data from more than one million people in the UK Biobank database to investigate the link between adolescent obesity and bowel cancer.

The study looked at the body mass index (BMI) of participants when they were 17 years old and followed them up for an average of 18 years. During this period, 2,263 cases of bowel cancer were identified.

The researchers found that participants who were obese in adolescence had a significantly higher risk of developing bowel cancer compared to those with a normal BMI. Specifically, each 1-unit increase in BMI was associated with a 12% higher risk of bowel cancer.

: Why Adolescent Obesity Increases Bowel Cancer Risk

The exact mechanism behind the link between adolescent obesity and bowel cancer is not yet clear. However, several theories have been proposed.

One possible explanation is that obesity leads to chronic inflammation in the body, which in turn can increase the risk of developing cancer. Another theory is that obesity can alter the gut microbiome, which plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

: Preventing Adolescent Obesity

Given the link between adolescent obesity and bowel cancer, it is essential to take measures to prevent obesity in this group. Here are some ways to achieve this:.

: Encourage Healthy Eating

Encourage adolescents to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Encourage them to avoid junk food, sugary drinks, and processed foods.

: Promote Physical Activity

Encourage adolescents to engage in regular physical activity, such as playing sports, dancing, or swimming. Encourage them to reduce time spent sitting, watching TV, or playing video games.

: Limit Screen Time

Limit the amount of time adolescents spend on electronic devices. Encourage them to engage in other activities, such as reading, playing board games, or socializing with friends.

: Conclusion

Adolescent obesity is a growing public health concern that has been linked to a higher risk of bowel cancer. While the exact mechanism behind this link is not yet clear, it is essential to take measures to prevent obesity in adolescents.

Encouraging healthy eating, promoting physical activity, and limiting screen time are some effective ways to achieve this.