A new study published in the medical journal The Lancet has linked obesity to a 40% increased risk of cancer in women.

What the Study Found

The study, conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), analyzed data from over 43,000 women in the United Kingdom. The women were followed for an average of 12 years, during which time 1,604 cases of cancer were diagnosed.

The researchers found that women who had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher, which is considered overweight or obese, had a 40% increased risk of developing cancer compared to women with a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9.

The study also found that the risk of specific types of cancer increased with higher BMI. Women with a BMI of 30 or higher had a 62% increased risk of developing endometrial cancer and a 31% increased risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer.

What the Experts Say

The link between obesity and cancer is not new. Previous studies have shown that excess weight increases the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, and kidney cancer.

According to Dr.

Kurt Straif, Head of the IARC Monographs Program, which evaluates the carcinogenicity of different agents, “The number of cancers linked to obesity and overweight is rising globally, and this report shows that the cancer burden attributed to obesity and overweight is significant in women.”.

Dr. Melina Arnold, the lead author of the study, added that “These findings highlight the need for more efforts to prevent and treat obesity in order to reduce the cancer burden.”.

How Obesity Increases Cancer Risk

The exact mechanism by which obesity increases cancer risk is not yet fully understood. However, researchers have identified several possible factors that may contribute to the link.

One theory is that excess weight causes changes in hormonal levels in the body, which can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. For example, high levels of estrogen have been linked to an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer.

Another theory is that excess weight causes a chronic state of inflammation in the body, which can damage DNA and lead to cancer.

Inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including colon, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer.

Finally, excess weight may also contribute to insulin resistance, which can affect the way cells grow and divide and can increase the risk of cancer.

How to Reduce Cancer Risk

The new study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in order to reduce the risk of cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to reduce cancer risk.

Other lifestyle factors that can help reduce cancer risk include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet, staying active, and protecting yourself from the sun.

If you are struggling with weight management, it is important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for guidance and support.