This new study highlights the relationship between obesity and cancer
| Updated: Dec 18, 2018, 10:52 IST
Did you think that there ever would be a link found between cancer and body weight? Well, it turns out that there is. A new study conducted shows that excess body weight and obesity are responsible for 3.9 per cent of cancer globally. The study, published in the journal Cancer, highlighted a relationship between obesity and the risk of 13 types of cancers, including postmenopausal breast cancer and liver cancer.
"In particular, not many people are aware of the link of overweight/obesity to cancer risk," said Hyuna Sung, a participant researcher of the study. This study has looked at body weight and cancer on the basis of gender. The total number of cases for women was nearly double that of men, with breast cancer being one of the largest contributors. For men, it was liver cancer that has been found to be a contributor.
"The simultaneous rise in excess body weight in almost all countries is thought to be driven largely by changes in the global food system, which promotes energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, alongside reduced opportunities for physical activity," Sung said.
"In particular, not many people are aware of the link of overweight/obesity to cancer risk," said Hyuna Sung, a participant researcher of the study. This study has looked at body weight and cancer on the basis of gender. The total number of cases for women was nearly double that of men, with breast cancer being one of the largest contributors. For men, it was liver cancer that has been found to be a contributor.
"The simultaneous rise in excess body weight in almost all countries is thought to be driven largely by changes in the global food system, which promotes energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, alongside reduced opportunities for physical activity," Sung said.