Prolonged consumption of artificial sweeteners could elevate obesity risks, study finds
A recent study has established a concerning connection between long-term intake of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin, as well as diet sodas, and an augmented risk of obesity. The findings were featured in the International Journal of Obesity, following an extensive examination of the relationships between the consumption of these substances and a variety of health parameters.
Undertaken as part of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) initiative, the research embraced a diverse participant group of 5,115 individuals, comprising both black and white men and women. The focal point of the study was to dissect the potential relationships between artificial sweetener and diet beverage consumption and the volumes of visceral adipose tissue (AT), intermuscular AT, and subcutaneous AT, while accounting for demographic factors and lifestyle elements such as total caloric intake and adherence to healthy eating guidelines.
Over a span of 25 years, 3,088 individuals — including 869 black women, 867 white women, 590 black men, and 762 white men aged between 18 and 30 at the onset — were rigorously examined, with their dietary intakes tracked at intervals of the inception, the 7th year, and the 20th year. This meticulous approach allowed for a nuanced breakdown of aspartame and saccharin consumption patterns across quintiles and tertiles, respectively.
Drawing a strong parallel between heightened artificial sweetener intake and expanded volumes of all three types of AT assessed — visceral, subcutaneous, and intermuscular — the study spotlighted worrying trends. Individuals in the uppermost quintile of aspartame consumption demonstrated greater AT volumes in comparison to those in the lowest quintile. Furthermore, higher aspartame intake was associated with pronounced increases in body mass index (BMI), weight, and waist circumference throughout the quarter-century follow-up period.
Similar trends were observed in saccharin consumption, with the highest tertile group reporting up to 14% higher subcutaneous AT alongside substantial augmentations in BMI, weight, and waist circumference. The consumption of diet beverages mirrored these patterns, revealing significant escalations in AT volumes and BMI in those indulging more frequently in these drinks.
Although sucralose intake depicted an upward trajectory in BMI and weight, it remained distinct by not showing a noticeable impact on AT volumes or anthropometric changes over the long-term period studied.
This seminal study foregrounded the alarming implications of prolonged artificial sweetener intake, connecting higher consumption levels with a substantial upswing in obesity risks — with the upper quintiles exhibiting up to a 78% greater propensity for obesity compared to their lower quintile counterparts.
Despite offering unprecedented insights, the research is cognisant of potential limitations including self-reporting biases and the possible influence of altered microbiomes on adipogenesis.
In light of these potent revelations, the researchers advocate a reevaluation of prevailing national advisories encouraging the substitution of added sugars with artificial sweeteners. Highlighting the potential adverse health repercussions of both options, the study calls for a more nuanced approach to fostering healthier dietary choices.
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New research links early adolescent weight gain to higher depression risks in teen years
Recent studies indicate a strong correlation between elevated body mass index (BMI) in children and increased instances of depression during their teenage years. This correlation, as pinpointed in the comprehensive research conducted by King’s College London, has flagged early adolescence as a critical period wherein weight gain can significantly influence the onset of depressive symptoms later on in life.
The King’s College London team analysed data from over 10,000 twins born from 1994 to 1996, charting their height and weight at ages 12, 16, and 21 to determine their BMI. Additionally, the young participants filled out questionnaires that helped monitor depression symptoms such as feelings of loneliness, low moods, and exhaustion.
The insights derived from the research underscored a higher tendency among children with overweight to develop depression, a risk amplified the earlier in life they started to experience weight issues. Particularly, the span between 12 and 16 years was identified as a “sensitive point,” with weight gains during this period more strongly linked to later depression compared to gains between the ages of 16 and 21.
Senior co-author of the study, Thalia Eley, Professor of Developmental Behavioural Genetics, highlighted the significant role of early adolescence in the co-evolution of obesity and depressive tendencies. She further underscored the urgency of adopting a proactive approach to fostering positive body image and wellbeing, as opposed to merely focusing on weight, to thwart the onset of depression in later years.
Echoing these sentiments, the study’s principal author, Dr. Ellen Thompson emphasised the imperative need to unravel the intricacies of the mental health-weight nexus in adolescence to devise timely and effective support mechanisms. While the current study did not delve into the underlying causes of the observed relationship, earlier studies have pointed to factors like body dissatisfaction and external weight-related stigma as potent triggers.
In light of the increasing concerns around obesity and mental health disorders amongst the UK’s youth — a demographic where one-third have overweight or obesity by the time they finish primary school — the researchers propose that educational institutions integrate positive body image narratives in their curriculum.
These recommendations come against a backdrop of an alarming rise in child mental health crises, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and sustained school closures which have put unprecedented demand on the NHS’s mental health services for young people. According to recent statistics, one in four older teenagers are grappling with “probable” mental health disorders, a spectrum that encompasses depression and anxiety symptoms.
Furthermore, the persistent pressures from social media and the bottleneck created by long waiting lists for accessing mental health services portray a grim landscape for the younger generation. The scholars behind the study press for urgent interventions to mitigate this rapidly spiralling crisis, urging for a renewed focus on promoting a healthy body image to stave off depression and foster mental wellbeing among youth.
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Obesity-linked heart deaths triple in 20 years
Recent research disclosed a concerning surge in the number of US adults succumbing to heart disease where obesity was cited as a pivotal contributing factor, exhibiting a threefold rise between 1999 and 2020. This alarming revelation was documented in a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, leveraging data encapsulated in the comprehensive database curated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Analysing death certificates facilitated a granular examination of the escalation in obesity-correlated cardiac deaths over the span of two decades. The researchers pinpointed a total of 281,135 heart disease fatalities attributed to obesity during the period under scrutiny. This translated to a tripling of the death rate, spiralling from a rate of 2.2 per 100,000 individuals to a significant 6.6 deaths per 100,000 populace, thereby showcasing a worrying trend in health outcomes related to obesity.
Ironically, this spike unfolded amidst a nearly 18 percent decrement in overall heart disease mortalities from 1999 to 2020, pointing towards a deep-seated issue relating specifically to obesity-linked cardiac ailments.
The racial and gender disparities were stark, with the black populace shouldering a higher mortality rate compared to other racial cohorts. Moreover, a gendered analysis revealed a preponderance of these deaths amongst males, albeit black females demonstrated a marginally elevated mortality rate relative to their male counterparts.
Obesity, delineated as a profound risk catalyst for heart disease, presently afflicts approximately 115 million individuals in the US, encompassing around 42% of the adult demographic and 20% of the juvenile population, as per CDC statistics. A decade-long observation underscores a rise by nearly 10% in adult obesity, illuminating the swelling magnitude of this health crisis.
Medical professionals accentuate the multifaceted pathways through which obesity can foster heart disease, encompassing the enhancement of blood pressure levels, fostering a surge in detrimental cholesterol whilst diminishing beneficial cholesterol levels, amplifying diabetes susceptibility, and facilitating the accrual of fatty substances within arterial structures.
The in-depth study unearthed that the primary culprits behind obesity-associated heart disease fatalities within the scrutinised period were ischemic heart disease — characterised by artery narrowing — accompanied by heightened blood pressure. This dual identification not only underscores the critical role of cardiovascular health monitoring in obesity management but also necessitates intensified focus on preventive measures to curb the steady increase in obesity-related cardiac deaths.
The findings evoke an urgent call for bolstered interventions targeting obesity prevention and management, steering individuals towards healthier lifestyles to avert the onset of associated cardiac complications. The study stands as a testament to the urgent necessity for a comprehensive approach in mitigating obesity-related health ramifications, fostering a society armed with the knowledge and resources to combat this escalating health concern effectively.
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Exercise hormone irisin emerges as potential therapeutic agent in Alzheimer’s research
In the relentless pursuit to find effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have spotlighted a potential new ally: the hormone irisin, which is generated during physical exercise. This revelation brings a beacon of hope, suggesting a potential new frontier in Alzheimer’s therapy.
According to a recent study carried out by a team at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, the elevation of irisin levels, encouraged through physical exercise, showcases promising results in reducing the plaque and tau tangles that are trademarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The role of irisin had been previously linked to the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in adipose tissue and the acceleration of the conversion of white fat tissue to brown, a process that augments energy expenditure.
Before delving deeper into irisin’s impact on Alzheimer’s, the team had pioneered the development of 3D human cell culture models of the disease. These models played a pivotal role in understanding how irisin interacts with amyloid-beta, a significant player in the Alzheimer’s landscape, present in the brain.
Previous studies on murine models had affirmed the beneficial effects of physical exercise in diminishing amyloid-beta accumulations, albeit without understanding the precise mechanism. The fresh insights gleaned from this study illuminated that irisin’s influence in this context is closely tied to the enhancement of an enzyme known as neprilysin, which is proficient in degrading amyloid-beta.
Se Hoon Choi, one of the study’s authors, illuminated that treating with irisin led to a “remarkable reduction of amyloid-beta pathology,” an effect steered by the bolstered activity of neprilysin, which is secreted in higher quantities by brain cells called astrocytes, in response to irisin.
Notably, the researchers managed to pinpoint the pathway that prompts cells to amplify neprilysin levels, opening avenues for further exploration and therapy development. The endeavour now stood grounded on a robust foundation of understanding how irisin, once introduced into the bloodstream, can navigate its way to the brain, showcasing its potential utility as a therapeutic agent.
Furthermore, senior author Rudolph Tanzi noted that irisin could be the principal orchestrator behind exercise-induced escalations in neprilysin levels that are instrumental in alleviating the amyloid-beta burden in the brain. Tanzi underscored the significant implications of these findings, propelling irisin to the centre stage as a promising target for preventive and therapeutic strategies against Alzheimer’s disease.
This groundbreaking study, published in the renowned journal Neuron on September 8 2023, brings to light irisin’s pivotal role as a mediator, leveraging the natural, exercise-induced hormone to forge a path towards revolutionary Alzheimer’s treatments. It brings us a step closer to harnessing the potential of physical exercise at a molecular level in battling the devastating impacts of Alzheimer’s, thus offering a new ray of hope in medical science’s quest to conquer this debilitating disease.
Child sleep apnea severity linked to obesity, finds new study
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Health have discovered that obesity and older age are substantial predictors of the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. The study, recently published in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, underscores the essential role of obesity in paediatric OSA. This new finding contributes to the increasing recognition of the association between childhood obesity and various negative outcomes including cognitive deficits, impaired academic performance, behavioural issues, excessive daytime sleepiness, and potential long-term effects on cardiovascular health.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterised by repeated obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to interruptions in both ventilation and sleep patterns. Diagnosis of OSA usually requires full-night polysomnography, an extensive sleep study that monitors brain waves, blood oxygen levels, and heart and breathing rates while the patient sleeps.
Traditionally, paediatric patients suffering from OSA have been treated with adenotonsillectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the adenoids and tonsils. However, this surgery does not always resolve the problem, and some children continue to experience what is known as residual OSA after the procedure.
The study was led by Romaine F. Johnson, M.D., M.P.H., Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at UT Southwestern, who emphasised that “OSA is typically considered a condition that affects adults.” But Dr. Johnson pointed out that the growing epidemic of childhood obesity has led to an increase in the number of paediatric patients diagnosed with OSA. He explained that “higher levels of obesity and advancing age are key contributors to this issue,” and suggested that targeting childhood obesity could substantially enhance sleep quality and mitigate the detrimental consequences of both OSA and residual OSA.
Dr. Johnson and his research team initially embarked on the study to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and paediatric OSA. They examined the medical records of 249 children aged 18 or younger who underwent both polysomnogram and adenotonsillectomy at Children’s Health over a one-year span. To evaluate the influence of SES on paediatric OSA, the researchers utilised the area deprivation index (ADI), a metric defining neighbourhood-level disadvantages through various social determinants such as education, employment, and poverty.
Contrary to expectations, the study revealed that neighbourhood-level deprivation, as indicated by the ADI ranking, did not predict OSA severity or residual OSA after surgery. Instead, the team found that severe OSA was significantly associated with obesity, and residual OSA was more commonly linked with older age, particularly among adolescents.
While the research did not establish a direct link between SES and OSA severity, Dr. Johnson emphasised the need for further investigation into the relationship. He highlighted the critical nature of understanding how socioeconomic status intersects with paediatric OSA, stating that “social disadvantages can further affect the consequences of poor sleep quality.” He also noted that children who experience both OSA and social disadvantages might be at increased risk and may require specialised interventions.
The significance of this study lies in its identification of childhood obesity as a key factor in the severity of sleep apnea, thereby opening the door to potential interventions targeting weight management. Supported by the Beth and Marvin C. “Cub” Culbertson Professorship in Pediatric Otolaryngology, the research also emphasises the complex interplay between obesity, age, and sleep disorders in children, and calls attention to the need for a multifaceted approach to address these interconnected health challenges.
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Luton Council takes action against childhood obesity by banning unhealthy food ads on municipal property
Luton Council has made a significant decision to combat the growing concern of childhood obesity in the town by implementing a ban on advertising for unhealthy food items on most of its council-owned property. As part of this determined initiative, advertisements featuring food products high in fat, salt, and sugar will no longer be permitted to be displayed on billboards, lampposts, screens, or roundabouts within the town’s jurisdiction.
This move, according to the council, aims to “protect children and adults” from the influence of marketing that promotes unhealthy eating habits. The situation has become particularly alarming in Luton, where childhood obesity rates have exceeded national levels. The latest figures from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) revealed that 11.4% of reception age children in Luton (ages four to five) were classified as having obesity, compared to the national rate of 10.1%. Similarly, obesity among children aged 10 to 11 (Year 6) in Luton stood at 29.2%, noticeably higher than the national rate of 23.4%.
Labour councillor Khtija Malik, who holds the portfolio for public health, declared the ban as a “start” in the town’s efforts to decrease its “high rates of obesity among young children.” Ms. Malik stressed the importance of fostering healthy eating habits early in life, acknowledging the considerable impact advertising has on shaping people’s food choices.
This ban, although extensive, will not encompass all advertising locations within the town. Unhealthy food adverts may continue to be seen on bus shelters until at least 2027, as the council’s current advertising contract for these spaces extends to that year. However, Ms. Malik reassured that the council, having “control of our assets,” would exercise control over “what is advertised” in areas under its jurisdiction.
The move by Luton Council has not only demonstrated a proactive approach to a pressing public health issue but has also been met with support from advocacy groups. Fran Bernhardt, the children’s food campaign coordinator at Sustain, a group dedicated to better food and farming, lauded the council’s efforts, stating, “Luton Council has stood up to the food and drinks industry on behalf of all their residents.” She further emphasised the importance of the decision, pointing out that those residing in the most deprived areas are the ones most affected by unhealthy food advertising and are consequently most at risk from diet-related diseases.
The decision by Luton Council signifies an important step in recognising and addressing the complex factors that contribute to childhood obesity. By limiting the exposure to advertising that encourages unhealthy food choices, the council is actively working to create an environment that supports healthier lifestyle decisions. This ban is a notable example of local governance taking decisive action to influence public behaviour and health, reflecting a growing awareness of the pivotal role advertising plays in shaping dietary habits and preferences. It serves as a landmark measure that could potentially inspire similar initiatives in other towns and cities, contributing to a broader societal shift towards prioritising public health.
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Hypothalamic differences discovered in people who are living with overweight or obesity
A groundbreaking study by researchers at the University of Cambridge has provided new insights into the role of the hypothalamus in controlling appetite. This small yet critical region of the brain, which is about the size of an almond, appears to have structural differences in those who are living with overweight or obesity compared to those of healthy weight.
Dr. Stephanie Brown from the Department of Psychiatry and Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge, noted the importance of the hypothalamus in regulating appetite but also acknowledged the difficulty in studying it in living humans due to its small size.
The study team addressed this challenge by using a machine learning algorithm to analyse MRI scans of 1,351 young adults across different BMI categories. Published in Neuroimage: Clinical, their findings revealed that the hypothalamus’s overall volume was significantly larger in those who with overweight or obesity.
These findings offer further evidence to the connection between brain structure, weight, and food consumption, as obesity is a global concern affecting over 1.9 billion people worldwide. The condition increases risks for numerous health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and mental health issues.
The team also explored the possibility that the changes in the hypothalamus might be related to inflammation. Previous animal studies have shown that a high-fat diet could cause inflammation in the hypothalamus, leading to insulin resistance and obesity. In some cases, just three days of a fat-rich diet was enough to trigger inflammation.
Dr. Brown emphasised that if similar processes occur in humans, a high-fat diet could impact our ability to sense when we’ve eaten enough, leading to weight gain. The researchers hypothesised that the brain might react to inflammation by enlarging specialised immune cells, known as glia, causing the hypothalamus to be larger.
Professor Paul Fletcher, the study’s senior author, expressed hope that this new approach to analysing brain scans would deepen our understanding of appetite control in obesity. While the exact implications of these findings are still unclear, more research is needed to confirm whether the increase in hypothalamic volume is a cause or result of being overweight, or if those with larger hypothalami are naturally inclined to eat more.
Supported by the Bernard Wolfe Health Neuroscience Fund, Wellcome, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, and additional funding from Alzheimer’s Research UK, the study presents a transformative view of obesity. It opens new avenues for exploring obesity from a neurological perspective, potentially revolutionising how obesity and overweight conditions are understood and treated. Future studies may provide essential insights into intervention strategies, reshaping the way we approach this global health challenge.
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Obesity linked to impairment of immune cells protecting against psoriasis
Obesity is more than just a condition associated with excess weight; it can also influence the immune system in ways that make the body more susceptible to certain diseases. Recent research has shed light on how obesity may impair immune cells that protect against inflammation associated with psoriasis, a common skin disorder. This newfound understanding could pave the way for new treatments for psoriasis, particularly for those who suffer from obesity.
Psoriasis, marked by an accumulation of dry, scaly skin patches, is found to be twice as prevalent in individuals with obesity as compared to those without. This connection between obesity and psoriasis has long been observed, but the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive.
Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, led by Chaoran Li, took up the challenge to explore the intersection between obesity, inflammation, and psoriasis. They specifically investigated regulatory T-cells, which play a crucial role in controlling inflammation. These cells maintain a delicate balance in the skin, offsetting pro-inflammatory immune cells. While obesity is known to increase inflammatory cells, its influence on regulatory T-cells was not well understood.
Li’s team conducted a detailed genetic analysis of regulatory T-cells in various organs of mice, including the skin, spleen, lungs, and lymph nodes. They identified a unique subset of these cells that were prevalent in the skin of the rodents. Interestingly, this group was also found to be abundant in human skin samples.
The research took a significant turn when scientists genetically modified mice to lack these specific cells. When they applied a cream that induces psoriasis-like symptoms, such as skin thickening, the modified mice’s skin became nearly 50% thicker in a week compared to those with the anti-inflammatory cells. This observation strongly suggested that these particular cells have a role in preventing psoriasis symptoms.
To delve into the relationship with obesity, another group of mice were fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. The skin of these mice with obesity displayed fewer regulatory T-cells and was more reactive to the psoriasis-inducing cream than the skin samples from mice on regular diets. This correlation between obesity and a decrease in anti-inflammatory immune cells that prevent psoriasis was a pivotal discovery.
These findings not only highlight obesity’s impairment of crucial immune cells but also hint that a high-fat diet may be a key factor in psoriasis and other skin-related inflammations. This insight opens up the possibility that dietary interventions could be a viable treatment option for psoriasis.
Another promising avenue explored by the researchers involved the drug pioglitazone, known to boost the activity of regulatory T-cells. It was found to reduce skin inflammation in mice with obesity. Intriguingly, pioglitazone is also a type 2 diabetes medication. Some studies have indicated that individuals with diabetes on this drug have a lower risk of psoriasis, raising the potential of the medication as a dual-purpose treatment.
However, the applicability of these findings to humans still requires validation. Li’s team plans to examine how this specific subset of cells varies in humans with both psoriasis and obesity compared to those with one or neither condition.
This research represents a significant stride in understanding the intricate relationship between obesity, immune function, and psoriasis. By unearthing the cellular mechanisms behind this connection, it could potentially lead to more targeted and effective treatment options for those struggling with psoriasis, especially in the context of obesity. It also emphasises the importance of a healthy diet and its impact on overall skin health.
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Rising obesity prevalence may have altered perceptions of healthy body weights, study suggests
A concerning trend has emerged, revealing that an increasing number of overweight teenagers do not perceive themselves as being too heavy. This phenomenon raises alarms as it may lead to detrimental lifestyle choices, warn scientists. The trend of underestimating body weight was found to be particularly prevalent among girls, according to a peer-reviewed study.
The study suggests that the rising prevalence of obesity and the emergence of body trends idealising an athletic, muscular physique may contribute to teenagers underestimating their weight and becoming resistant to adopting healthy diet and exercise habits. However, the researchers acknowledge that other factors, including body image, dieting, changing eating patterns, and migration, may also play a role in these shifting perceptions over time.
Conducted by the International Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children, the study surveyed 11 to 15-year-olds between 2002 and 2018, analysing trends in body weight perception while considering age, gender, and family socioeconomic status. The survey encompassed over 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries across Europe and the United States. These findings are particularly significant for the UK, where more than a third of teenagers have either overweight or obesity.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Anouk Geraets from the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Luxembourg, emphasised the potential impact of body weight perception during this impressionable age on teenagers’ lifestyle choices, including their food consumption and exercise habits. Dr. Geraets expressed concern regarding the trend of fewer adolescents perceiving themselves as overweight, as this could undermine efforts to address the escalating obesity levels among this age group. Teenagers who underestimate their weight may not recognize the need to lose excess weight and may consequently make unhealthy lifestyle choices.
The study revealed an increase in underestimation of weight status and a decrease in overestimation over time, with girls being more susceptible to these perceptions than boys. Scientists worry that shifting trends in perception could diminish the effectiveness of public health interventions targeting young people.
Dr. Geraets emphasised the clinical and public health implications of the study. While the increase in accurate weight perception and the decrease in overestimation may have a positive impact by reducing unnecessary and unhealthy weight loss behaviours among adolescents, the rise in underestimation highlights the need for interventions to strengthen accurate weight perception. Further research is necessary to understand the underlying factors driving these trends and to develop effective public health interventions.
The study’s findings were published in the journal Child and Adolescent Obesity, shedding light on the urgent need to address teenagers’ misperceptions of their weight in order to promote healthier lifestyles and combat the growing obesity crisis among this age group.
Study challenges belief that moderate alcohol consumption shields against obesity and type 2 diabetes
Moderate alcohol consumption does not provide protection against conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study, challenging the long-debated notion of potential health benefits associated with light to moderate drinking.
The study investigated whether modest alcohol intake had any positive effects on health—a subject that has divided experts. Researchers analysed data on alcohol consumption from over 400,000 participants and discovered a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes among individuals who consumed more than 14 drinks per week. Notably, this link was more pronounced in women than in men.
Dr. Tianyuan Lu of McGill University in Québec commented on the findings, stating, “Previous research has suggested that moderate drinkers may be less susceptible to developing obesity or diabetes compared to non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. However, our study indicates that even light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, defined as no more than one standard drink per day, does not safeguard against obesity and type 2 diabetes in the general population.”
The study’s results revealed that heavy drinking was associated with increased measures of obesity, such as body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and fat mass, as well as an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes.
Importantly, the study did not find any evidence of improved health outcomes related to moderate alcohol consumption in individuals who consumed seven or fewer alcoholic drinks per week.
Dr. Lu concluded by highlighting the significance of the research in promoting awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption. The study’s findings aim to inform future guidelines and recommendations regarding alcohol use, with the hope of encouraging healthier behaviours as alternatives to drinking.
For further details, refer to the full study published in JCEM.
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UK’s soaring liver cancer death rate blamed on alcohol and obesity
Liver cancer deaths in the UK have seen a staggering 40% increase over the past decade, making it the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related fatalities in the country, warns the British Liver Trust. Calling attention to the alarming rise, the charity is urging immediate measures to address the “carcinogenic effects” of inexpensive alcohol and unhealthy food.
Pamela Healy, CEO of the British Liver Trust, identifies alcohol and obesity as the key drivers behind the surge in liver cancer cases and deaths. She stresses the need for government intervention to combat these issues, asserting that such action can create a healthier environment for all. Healy emphasises the urgency of addressing the accessibility and affordability of unhealthy food, often priced significantly lower than nutritious alternatives.
This call for action comes amidst delays in implementing regulations that would prohibit supermarket multi-buy deals on high-fat, high-sugar, or high-salt foods. The Association of Directors of Public Health has also urged ministers to introduce minimum unit pricing on alcohol, following Scotland’s successful implementation of a minimum price of 50p per unit in 2018.
The British Liver Trust has submitted evidence to the parliamentary health and social care committee’s inquiry into future cancer care, focusing on innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment. In addition to advocating for earlier detection and improved access to effective therapies, the charity emphasises the importance of prevention. Liver disease, a significant risk factor for liver cancer, can be reversed through lifestyle modifications, including reduced alcohol consumption and weight loss.
The submission by the British Liver Trust emphasises the need for upstream interventions to mitigate the carcinogenic impact of an unhealthy food and beverage environment. The charity cites evidence indicating that population-wide measures regulating the affordability and accessibility of alcohol and unhealthy food are more effective in reducing disease burden and addressing health inequalities than individual behaviour change alone.
The charity calls for a comprehensive alcohol strategy that tackles promotions and affordability. It highlights the fact that alcohol is classified as a group 1 carcinogen, known to cause at least seven types of cancer. Data from Cancer Research reveals that liver cancer mortality rates per 100,000 people in the UK have risen from 6.4 in 2007-2009 to 9.3 in 2017-2019. Primary liver cancer has one of the lowest survival rates among all cancers.
The British Liver Trust emphasises the need for enhanced surveillance of high-risk groups with liver disease to enable early diagnosis and improve survival rates. Additionally, the charity advocates for increased investment in liver cancer research.
The UK government is facing mounting pressure to take more effective action to combat obesity. Danone UK and Ireland, one of the country’s major food companies, recently suggested that the government should consider taxing products high in fat, sugar, or salt to tackle the obesity crisis.
In response to the inquiry, the Department of Health and Social Care affirms its commitment to diagnosing 75% of cancers at stages 1 and 2 by 2028. The department outlines its interventions, including community health liver checks for those at high risk of cirrhosis, with a particular focus on deprived communities.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care highlights ongoing efforts to encourage healthier food and drink choices and tackle obesity. Recognising that obesity costs the NHS approximately £6.5 billion per year and is the second leading cause of cancer, the spokesperson highlights initiatives such as calorie labelling in restaurants, cafes, and takeaways to empower individuals to make informed lifestyle choices.
The spokesperson further notes that the NHS has witnessed record numbers of cancer patients in recent years, with earlier-stage diagnoses becoming more prevalent. To support this, the government is strengthening the cancer workforce and has published the first-ever Long-Term Workforce Plan, backed by over £2.4 billion, aiming to deliver the most extensive training expansion in NHS history over the next 15 years.
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New study links obesity to 18 types of cancer, including leukaemia and lymphoma
In a concerning development, a recent study has established a direct connection between excess body weight and an elevated risk of developing multiple types of cancer. While previous research had identified 13 cancers associated with overweight or obesity, this groundbreaking study expands the list to include 18 different forms of the disease. The findings highlight the urgent need for a reevaluation of the impact of overweight and obesity on cancer rates and emphasise the significance of weight management from an early age.
The study, conducted by researchers in Catalonia, Spain, examined the electronic health records of over 2.6 million individuals aged 40 or older who were initially cancer-free. Surprisingly, within a span of just nine years, more than 225,000 participants received a cancer diagnosis. The researchers meticulously analysed the data, paying close attention to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater, indicative of having overweight or obesity.
Published in Nature Communications, the study’s results reveal a troubling correlation between a BMI of 25 or higher and an increased susceptibility to 18 distinct types of cancer. What is particularly noteworthy is that the risk of cancer development begins as early as 18 years old. Furthermore, individuals who were overweight during their early adulthood (between the ages of 18 and 40) faced a significantly higher risk of developing cancer. The risk further intensified for those who struggled with excess weight for extended periods and those who experienced severe obesity in their youth.
Dr. Heinz Freisling, a co-author of the study, emphasised the implications of these findings, urging a reassessment of the current estimation of the cancer burden associated with overweight and obesity. It is highly likely that the actual burden is underestimated due to these newly discovered connections.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the long-term health risks stemming from childhood obesity, including its impact on cognitive function and brain structure. Additionally, the researchers identified several types of cancer that are now linked to excess weight, including leukaemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, head and neck cancers, and bladder cancer.
Previously recognised connections between excess weight and cancer include adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus, postmenopausal breast cancer, colon and rectal cancer, uterine cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cardia cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, meningioma (a type of brain cancer), and multiple myeloma, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Panagiota Mitrou, director of research, policy, and innovation at the World Cancer Research Fund, emphasised the public health implications of this comprehensive study. The new findings establish connections between overweight/obesity and additional cancers, such as leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life, starting from early adulthood, emerges as one of the most critical preventive measures against cancer.
The study underscores the need for proactive public health measures, focusing on early prevention and weight management strategies to reduce the incidence of these cancers and promote overall well-being. By prioritising healthy weight maintenance, individuals can significantly mitigate their risk of developing various types of cancer and safeguard their long-term health.
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