Obesity and cancer are two of the most linked causes of mortality worldwide. This is because being obese makes you more susceptible to cancer than being of normal weight. Obesity does not necessarily guarantee that you will have cancer. However, the danger increases with the amount of weight you have and the length of time you have been overweight. When you’re overweight, preventing weight gain and decreasing weight could assist in lowering your risk of cancer.
Furthermore, obesity might trigger changes in the body, contributing to cancer development. Sex hormones, insulin-like growth, elevated levels of insulin, and long-term inflammation are examples of these changes. The risk of cancer rises with excessive weight and the length of time an individual is overweight.
What cancers are associated with obesity?
Being obese has been related to an increased risk of 13 different types of cancer. Among these cancers are:
- Multiple myeloma
- Meningioma
- Thyroid
- Pancreas
- Ovaries
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Upper stomach
- Gallbladder
- Uterus
- Rectum and colon
- Women Breast Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
Other risk factors might also increase the growth of certain tumors. Alcohol and cigarette use, long-term illnesses, gene mutations, and hormone levels are all risk factors for obesity and cancer related diseases.
How can obesity contribute to the increased risk of cancer?
Extra fat is active and sends signals to the rest of your body. These signals may instruct cells in our bodies to divide more frequently, which could result in cancer. Fat cell signals may have an impact on the following:
- Sex hormones: Fat cells generate estrogen following menopause. This hormone may cause cells in the breast and womb to divide more often, increasing the likelihood of cancer forming.
- Prolong inflammation: Swelling occurs when immune cells go to body parts with a high concentration of fat cells. This may result in inflammation, which stimulates cells to increase more rapidly.
- Growth hormones: Excess body fat may increase growth hormone levels, signaling cells to divide more frequently. This increases the likelihood of cancer cells developing.
How can I lower my risk?
Maintaining a healthy weight is among the most essential things you can do to reduce your chances of obesity and cancer. To do this:
- Get enough rest.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a nutritious diet.
- Continue to be active.
Obesity and cancer impair your body’s capacity to function correctly. Ensuring a healthy weight is essential for reducing your cancer risk.
