It is well-known that obesity is a major risk factor for a variety of chronic diseases, including cancer.

But recent research has shown that it’s not just overall body weight that is important – where the excess weight is located in the body can also play a significant role. Studies have found a strong relationship between abdominal fat (also known as visceral fat) and cancer risk, particularly for certain types of cancer.

What is abdominal fat?

Abdominal fat is the fat that accumulates within the abdominal cavity, surrounding the organs in the stomach area.

It is different from subcutaneous fat, which lies beneath the skin and is what makes up the “muffin top” or “love handles” that many people dislike. Abdominal fat is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat because it is metabolically active, meaning that it can produce hormones and other chemicals that can have harmful effects on the body.

How does abdominal fat increase cancer risk?

There are several ways in which abdominal fat can increase the risk of cancer. Firstly, it can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, which has been linked to the development of many types of cancer.

Abdominal fat can also cause an increase in insulin resistance, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of cancer.

Additionally, abdominal fat can increase levels of certain hormones in the body, such as estrogen and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). High levels of these hormones have been linked to an increased risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.

Which types of cancer are linked to abdominal fat?

Research has shown that abdominal fat is particularly linked to an increased risk of the following types of cancer:.

Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Endometrial cancer
Kidney cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Ovarian cancer
Prostate cancer

How can you measure abdominal fat?

One way to measure abdominal fat is to use waist circumference as a proxy. A waist circumference of over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men is considered to be indicative of excess abdominal fat.

However, this method is not perfect, as people with a similar waist circumference may have vastly different amounts of abdominal fat.

A more accurate method is to use medical imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans, to directly measure the amount of abdominal fat in the body. However, this is a more expensive and invasive method, so it is not routinely used for cancer screening.

Can you reduce your abdominal fat and cancer risk?

The good news is that reducing abdominal fat can also reduce your risk of cancer. This can be achieved through a combination of diet and exercise.

In terms of diet, reducing your calorie intake and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods can help to reduce overall body fat, including abdominal fat. In terms of exercise, both aerobic exercise (such as running or cycling) and strength training have been shown to be effective in reducing abdominal fat.

In addition to diet and exercise, other lifestyle factors can also play a role in reducing abdominal fat and cancer risk. Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and reducing stress can all help to decrease abdominal fat and improve overall health.

Conclusion

Abdominal fat is a major risk factor for cancer, and particularly for certain types of cancer.

By reducing abdominal fat through a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, you can help to decrease your risk of cancer and improve your overall health.