Study Links Obesity to Nearly a Dozen Cancer Types

Need a new reason to shed those unwanted pounds? Aside from the fact that summer is fast approaching, a new study has linked obesity to nearly a dozen different types of cancer.

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, obesity is "strongly linked" to 11 types of cancer, including breast, colon, pancreatic, kidney and more. For the study, researchers analyzed more than 200 existing studies on cancer and obesity, looking to see if there was a connection. Researchers focused specifically n body mass index (BMI), which as you may already know is a ratio of a person's weight to height. Among other things, researchers found a direct correlation between BMI and cancer of digestive organs, as well as fat and hormone-related cancers in women.

The strongest link noted was between obesity and digestive organ cancer. Individuals who were obese had a significantly greater risk of developing cancer of the digestive organs when compared to their counterparts who were not obese.

Researchers were quick to point out, however, that more research is needed to fully understand the link between obesity and cancer.

“Other associations could also be genuine, but there is still substantial uncertainty about them,” said lead study author Dr. Maria Kyrgiou, of Imperial College London.

While heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men and women, cancer isn't far behind. In 2015, roughly 9 million people died from cancer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Experts believe this number will increase by 70% over the next 20 years.

Furthermore, WHO reports that some 2 million adults are either clinically obese or overweight. Being overweight increases the risk for many diseases and illnesses, only one of which is cancer. Others include diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease.

The bottom line is that obesity affects our health in many ways. This recent study published in the British Medical Journal highlights the impact it has on cancer rates. According to this study, obesity increases the risk of nearly a dozen different types of cancer. So if you want to live a long and healthy life, it's important to maintain a healthy weight.