A new study recently has demonstrated that being overweight is now linked to eight types of cancers, including stomach and pancreatic cancer. The research is based on a meta-study (where several other studies by independent research centers are reviewed). In total 1000 different studies were examined.
The examination was undertaken by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Cancer on Research (IARC). The reported outcome is that there is a correlation, above a certain threshold, between weight and cancer risks. This related specifically to eight cancer: gastric cardia, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, ovary, and thyroid, as well as multiple myeloma and meningioma.
Weight was assessed in terms of body mass index, where a BMI of 30 or over is associated with obesity (and in this context, the higher cancer risk).
Discussing the research with Laboratory Roots, lead scientist Professor Graham Colditz said: “The burden of cancer due to being overweight or obese is more extensive than what has been assumed.”
The medic then added: “Many of the newly identified cancers linked to excess weight haven’t been on people’s radar screens as having a weight component.”
Although the news raises further the problems of obesity, it does indicate that if lifestyle changes are made then cancer risks can be reduced. Lifestyle factors include eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising, in addition to not smoking.
The new researcher is published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The report is titled “Overweight, Obesity, and Mortality from Cancer in a Prospectively Studied Cohort of U.S. Adults.”
In related news, a further warning has been issued in relation to obesity. Research suggests that being overweight leads to accelerated brain ageing and this brings with it a range of age-related neurodegenerative concerns.
With more positive news, a standard drug used to treat type-2 diabetes, called metformin, has been shown to be effective in aiding obese children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to maintain or reduce their body mass index (BMI).
