Obese people are at a greater risk of getting a number of cancers
Being overweight increases the risk of developing a number of cancers, including breast, womb and prostate.
According to a study by Cancer Research the number of men and women under the age of 45 who are morbidly obese has doubled in the past decade. This increase in obesity means more people are at risk of developing cancer.
Being overweight increases the risk of developing a number of cancers, including breast, womb and prostate.
According to a study by Cancer Research the number of men and women under the age of 45 who are morbidly obese has doubled in the past decade. This increase in obesity means more people are at risk of developing cancer.
Professor Jane Wardle, the director of Cancer Research UK's health behavior unit, said slim people stayed roughly the same size over the 10 years, but the weight of heavier people dramatically increased.
The charity said a more sedentary lifestyle – often sitting at a computer – takeaway meals and snacking were all contributory factors.
Prof Wardle said two cancers that claimed most lives in Britain – breast and colorectal – were among those that had been linked with obesity. "We are seeing evidence of a rise in the number of cancers that can be caused by obesity just when we are seeing a reduction in those caused by smoking," she said.
Being overweight or obese upsets the metabolic environment and accelerates cell damage as well as the fat secreting hormones that could trigger tumors, she went on.
Obese people are at a greater risk of getting cancers of the womb, gall bladder and kidney and could also increase the risk of prostate and pancreatic cancers. "The biological link between obesity and cancer is complicated but maintaining a healthy body weight will reduce cancer risk.
"We need to continue raising awareness of the dangers of obesity and offer information to help people lose those extra pounds."
