Can obesity and vitamin D deficiency raise the risk of breast cancer?

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health. People are generally considered obese when their body mass index (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a person's weight by the square of the person's height, is over 30 kg/m2, with the range 25–30 kg/m2 defined as overweight.


A study has found out that obesity is coupled with vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women may pose a significant risk of breast cancer. As per the research, “Higher levels of vitamin D well known for its benefits in building healthy bones may reduce breast cancer mortality by 50% in women with lower body mass index (BMI). Vitamin D reduces cancer risk by inhibiting cell proliferation.”


JoAnn Pinkerton Executive Director at The North American Menopause Society said, “This study suggests that higher levels of vitamin D in the body are associated with lowered breast cancer risk. Vitamin D may play a role in controlling breast cancer cells or stopping them from growing. Vitamin D comes from direct sunlight exposure, vitamin D3 supplements, or foods rich in vitamin D.”



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