GAINING fat could be a factor in four in 10 cancers, a major study has found.
Experts say obesity may now be linked to 32 tumor types – 19 more than previously thought.
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The “innovative” research from Lund University in Sweden followed 4.1 million people for up to 45 years and analyzed 332,501 cases of cancer.
It found that up to 40 percent of cases were contributed by the patient’s weight.
Excessive sagging has recently been linked to more tumor types than the 13 officially recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2016.
They included cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach and brain.
Many types of cancer could be prevented by staying thin
Study author Dr Ming Sun said: “Our findings suggest that the impact of obesity on cancer may be greater than previously known.
“It is a risk factor for more cancers, especially rarer ones, and some of them have never been investigated before in relation to obesity.
“Established obesity-related cancers represented 25% of all cancer cases in this study, and the proportion increased to 40% when potential obesity-related cancers were added.
“A substantial proportion of cancers could potentially be prevented by maintaining a normal weight.”
Three in 10 adults in the UK, more than 15 million people, are obese.
We are likely facing a significant increase in cancer cases
Dr. Jennifer Baker
Cancer is becoming more common and cases in Britain are predicted to rise from 450,000 in 2022 to 625,000 in 2050.
Experts say being overweight can increase your risk of cancer by altering hormone levels and triggering long-term inflammation in vital organs.
The study, revealed at the European Congress on Obesity, found that obesity increased the danger by up to a quarter.
A BMI of 30, the threshold for obesity, increased the risk of cancers known to be linked to weight, such as bowel, kidney, breast and uterus, by 12% for women and 24% for men, compared with a healthy weight. .
It also increased the risk of types not previously associated with obesity, including malignant melanoma, skin cancer and tumors in the small intestine, pituitary gland, oral cavity and penis or vulva.
Dr. Jennifer Baker, of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, called the study “groundbreaking.”
She said: “These results show that we are likely facing a significant increase in cancer cases.”
Malcolm Clark, from Cancer Research UK, added: “Obesity is the second biggest cause of cancer in the UK, after smoking.
“There are many things people can do to lower their risk of cancer, and maintaining a healthy weight is one way to reduce it.
“Other measures include not smoking, being safe in the sun, eating a healthy and balanced diet and reducing alcohol consumption.”
How to lose weight without surgery
There are several other ways to lose weight without going under the knife.
According to the NHS, to get the best possible start on your weight loss plan, there are seven steps you should follow.
- Stay active for 150 minutes a week – you can break this up into shorter sessions
- Aim to get 5 a day – 80g of fresh, tinned or frozen fruit or vegetables counts as 1 serving
- Aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds, or 0.5 to 1 kg, per week
- Read food labels – products that are color coded greener than amber and red are often a healthier option
- Swap sugary drinks for water – if you don’t like the taste, add lemon or lime slices for flavor
- Reduce your consumption of foods high in sugar and fat – start by swapping sugary cereals for whole-grain alternatives
- Share your weight loss plan with someone you trust – they can help motivate you when you have a bad day
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
