For decades, being thin has been considered the ideal body size for health. Slimmer bodies have been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

However, a recent body of research suggests that carrying a few extra pounds could actually lower the risk of certain types of cancer. In this article, we explore the link between body size and cancer risk.

The Role of Body Fat in Cancer Development

Body fat is typically associated with negative health outcomes, including the development of chronic diseases. However, not all body fat is the same. Researchers categorize body fat into two types: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.

Subcutaneous fat is located underneath the skin, while visceral fat is stored around the organs inside the body.

Studies have found that visceral fat is much more harmful to health than subcutaneous fat. It has been linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer.

One reason for this might be because visceral fat secretes hormones and chemicals that trigger inflammation and damage the body’s tissues.

The Paradoxical Relationship Between Obesity and Cancer Risk

Despite the overall negative association between body fat and cancer risk, some studies have shown a paradoxical relationship between obesity and certain types of cancer.

In other words, being overweight or obese might be protective against specific cancers.

A 2018 analysis published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that people with a higher body mass index (BMI) had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer before the age of 50.

The researchers suggested that this might be because the higher levels of estrogen produced by fat cells in the body might delay the onset of menopause and, therefore, reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Other studies have associated obesity with a reduced risk of lung cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer.

The Association Between Body Fat Distribution and Cancer Risk

While overall body fat has been linked to cancer risk, researchers have found that the distribution of body fat is also an important factor. The accumulation of visceral fat, in particular, has been associated with higher cancer risk.

A 2020 study published in JAMA Oncology found that women with larger waist-to-hip ratios had a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

The researchers suggested that this might be because the accumulation of visceral fat around the organs in the abdominal cavity could disrupt hormonal balances and lead to inflammation.

The Importance of Lifestyle Factors in Cancer Risk

While body size and fat distribution play a role in cancer risk, there are many lifestyle factors that contribute to overall cancer risk. These include smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable cancer globally, responsible for around 22% of all cancer deaths. Alcohol consumption is also linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, liver, and bowel cancer.

Physical activity and exercise have been associated with a lower risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

Diet is another crucial factor in cancer risk.

A diet high in red and processed meat has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, while a plant-based diet rich in fruit and vegetables has been associated with a lower risk of several types of cancer, including breast, lung, and bladder cancer.

Conclusion

While many health experts have emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for overall health and cancer prevention, recent studies have suggested that carrying a few extra pounds might have some protective effect against certain types of cancer. However, the accumulation of visceral fat, particularly around the organs in the abdominal cavity, has been linked to higher cancer risk.

Overall, lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet, also play an important role in cancer risk.

A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a plant-based diet, and no smoking or excessive alcohol consumption is still the best way to reduce overall cancer risk.