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.
