Obesity has become a major health concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of overweight and obese individuals has tripled since 1975.

In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and over 650 million were obese. Obesity is not just a cosmetic issue but a risk factor for many diseases. In this article, we will discuss the link between obesity and death from heart disease and cancer.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess body fat, which can lead to various health problems.

It is measured using the body mass index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. According to the WHO, a BMI of 25 or above is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or above is considered obese.

Obesity and Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and obesity is a major risk factor for developing heart disease.

Obesity increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which can lead to heart disease. In addition, excess body fat increases the workload on the heart, leading to an enlarged heart and heart failure.

Obesity also increases inflammation in the body, which can damage the blood vessels and lead to atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Obesity and Cancer

Cancer is another leading cause of death worldwide, and obesity is a known risk factor for several types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, obesity increases the risk of developing the following types of cancer:.

Endometrial cancer
Breast cancer (in postmenopausal women)
Colorectal cancer
Kidney cancer
Ovarian cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Gallbladder cancer

Obesity is thought to increase the risk of cancer by several mechanisms. Firstly, excess body fat can lead to chronic inflammation, which can damage DNA and increase the risk of mutations that can lead to cancer.

Secondly, obesity can increase the levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen and insulin, which can promote the growth of cancer cells. Thirdly, obesity can alter the body’s metabolism, which can affect cell growth and division.

Obesity and Mortality

Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of mortality from various causes, including heart disease and cancer.

A study published in The Lancet in 2009 found that obesity increased the risk of mortality from all causes, including heart disease and cancer. The study followed more than 900,000 adults from Europe and found that those with a BMI of 30 or above had a 30% higher risk of dying prematurely compared to those with a healthy weight.

Another study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2013 found that obesity was associated with an increased risk of mortality from several types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, uterine, and kidney cancer, as well as from heart disease and stroke. The study followed more than 3.5 million adults in the United States for up to 32 years and found that those with a BMI of 40 or above had a 29% higher risk of dying prematurely compared to those with a healthy weight.

Conclusion

Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing heart disease and cancer, two of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Excess body fat can lead to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic changes, which can increase the risk of developing these diseases. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity to reduce the risk of these diseases and improve overall health and longevity.