While most people associate being overweight with a range of health problems and increased risk of death, there are some cases where carrying extra weight may actually be beneficial.

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that overweight individuals with certain types of cancer actually had a lower risk of mortality than those who were of a healthy weight.

Why Might Extra Weight Be Protective?

There are a few theories as to why extra weight may help reduce mortality risk in certain types of cancer. One potential explanation is that the excess weight provides a source of energy for the body during cancer treatment.

Cancer can cause weight loss and muscle wasting, which can make it harder for the body to fight off the disease and recover from treatment. Having extra weight may help preserve muscle mass and allow the body to better withstand the effects of cancer treatment.

Another theory is that the fat cells themselves may play a role in reducing cancer mortality. Adipose tissue, or fat tissue, produces hormones and other substances that can have both positive and negative effects on the body.

Some researchers believe that certain adipokines, which are molecules produced by adipose tissue, may have anti-cancer properties that help suppress tumor growth and improve outcomes for those with cancer.

Which Cancers Are Affected?

The JAMA Oncology study found that the protective effect of extra weight was only seen in certain types of cancer. The researchers looked at data from over 5,000 individuals who were diagnosed with breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer.

They found that in each of these cancer types, individuals who were overweight or obese had a lower risk of mortality than those who were of a healthy weight.

This protective effect was strongest in those with advanced stage cancers. For example, those with advanced stage colorectal cancer who were overweight or obese had a 29% lower risk of mortality than those who were of a healthy weight.

For those with advanced stage breast cancer, the risk of mortality was 21% lower among overweight or obese individuals.

What Are the Implications?

The findings from this study may have important implications for cancer treatment and prevention. Currently, many cancer patients are encouraged to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight as part of their treatment plan.

While this may be beneficial for some individuals, this study suggests that there may be certain cases where carrying extra weight could be helpful.

Additionally, these findings suggest that obesity may not always be a negative health outcome.

While obesity is associated with a range of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, this study suggests that it may have a protective effect in certain cases. This highlights the complexities of obesity and the need for individualized treatment approaches that take into account each person’s unique health status and medical history.

Limitations of the Study

While the findings from this study are intriguing, it is important to note that there are some limitations to the research.

Firstly, the study only looked at four types of cancer, so it is unclear whether the results would be the same for other types of cancer.

Additionally, the study cannot determine causality. While the researchers found an association between extra weight and reduced mortality risk, they do not know whether extra weight is truly protective or if there are other factors at play.

Conclusion

While many people assume that being overweight or obese is always harmful to health, this may not be the case for individuals with certain types of cancer.

In fact, carrying extra weight may actually be protective and help reduce the risk of mortality in some cases.

As with all health decisions, it is important to discuss individualized treatment plans with a healthcare provider. For some cancer patients, losing weight may still be a crucial part of their treatment plan.

However, for others, carrying extra weight may be protective and beneficial.