One of the risk factors for developing cancer is being overweight or obese. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 8% of all cancers in the United States are linked to excess body weight.

Obesity can increase the risk of developing many types of cancer, including:.

1. Breast Cancer

In postmenopausal women, being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing breast cancer. This is because fat cells produce estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of some types of breast cancer cells.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk of developing breast cancer.

2. Colorectal Cancer

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. This may be because excess body fat can cause inflammation in the colon. Inflammation can damage cells and lead to the development of cancer.

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

3. Kidney Cancer

Obesity is a known risk factor for kidney cancer. The excess fat in the body can cause hormonal imbalances and increase insulin resistance, which can promote the growth of cancer cells.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk of developing kidney cancer.

4. Pancreatic Cancer

Being overweight or obese is linked to an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. This may be because excess body weight can cause inflammation in the pancreas, which can damage cells and lead to the development of cancer.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

5. Endometrial Cancer

Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for endometrial cancer. This may be because fat cells produce estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of some types of endometrial cancer cells.

Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet can help lower the risk of developing endometrial cancer.

6. Ovarian Cancer

In postmenopausal women, being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. This may be because fat cells produce estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of some types of ovarian cancer cells.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

7. Prostate Cancer

Obesity is linked to an increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. This may be because excess body weight can promote the growth of cancer cells. Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk of developing prostate cancer.

8. Liver Cancer

Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for liver cancer. This may be because excess body weight can cause fatty liver disease, which can lead to inflammation and damage in the liver.

Inflammation can damage cells and lead to the development of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk of developing liver cancer.

9. Esophageal Cancer

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. This may be because excess body weight can cause acid reflux, which can damage cells in the esophagus and lead to the development of cancer.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

10. Gallbladder Cancer

Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for gallbladder cancer. This may be because excess body weight can cause inflammation in the gallbladder, which can damage cells and lead to the development of cancer.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk of developing gallbladder cancer.

While being overweight or obese does not necessarily mean that an individual will develop cancer, maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk of developing many types of cancer.

Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet can also help reduce the risk of developing cancer. It is important to talk to a doctor about ways to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing cancer.