Obesity is a well-known risk factor for various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. However, there’s another serious health consequence that’s closely linked to obesity: cancer.

In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between obesity and cancer and what you can do to minimize your risks of developing cancer if you’re obese.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition that’s characterized by excessive body fat. A person is considered obese if their body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher.

BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. Obesity is often a result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and certain medical conditions.

The Link Between Obesity and Cancer

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing many types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, being overweight or obese is linked to at least 13 types of cancer including:.

Breast cancer (in postmenopausal women)
Colon and rectal cancer
Endometrial cancer (lining of the uterus)
Espohageal cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Liver cancer
Ovarian cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Stomach cancer
Thyroid cancer
Meningioma (a type of brain tumor)
Multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer)

Obesity is thought to increase the risk of cancer in several ways. Firstly, fat cells produce hormones, such as estrogen, that can promote the growth of some cancers like breast and endometrial cancers.

Secondly, excess body fat is associated with chronic inflammation, which can damage cells and increase the risk of cancer development. Lastly, obesity can lead to insulin resistance and high insulin levels, which can encourage some cancers to grow.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer if You’re Obese

If you’re overweight or obese, you can take steps to reduce your cancer risk. The American Cancer Society recommends the following:.

Follow a healthy diet that’s high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in processed foods and red meat
Engage in regular physical activity – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
Maintain a healthy weight, and try to lose weight if you’re overweight or obese
Quit smoking and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke

It’s also important to attend regular cancer screenings as early detection can increase the chances of successful treatment and better health outcomes. Screening tests can detect some cancers in their early stages before any symptoms appear.

Conclusion

Obesity is a complex health issue that can increase the risk of developing many types of cancer. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer, even if you’re obese.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and avoiding harmful habits like tobacco and alcohol can significantly reduce your cancer risk.