Dr. Ahmed For a long time, the connection between obesity and chronic diseases like T2DM and heart abnormalities has been widely recognized.
However, more and more research is looking into another aspect of obesity’s side effects. The link between excess weight gain and a high risk of developing cancer is under study.
Especially, visceral fat can significantly increase mortality risks if it is accumulated in abnormal amounts.
This issue is not just about weight gain, as it is more complex and talks about the biological activity of adipose tissues and the ways they can transform the body into a more hospitable environment for cancer cells.
Obesity greatly increases the risk of developing cancer, and research shows that a large number of cancer cases are caused by being overweight.
While estimates differ, about 3.6% of new cancer cases worldwide are linked to obesity. In the U.S., that number can reach as high as 20% [ref].
Many types of cancer are tied to obesity, including postmenopausal breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, kidney, liver, gallbladder, pancreatic, thyroid, multiple myeloma, and even some brain tumors like meningioma.
The role of visceral fat and chronic inflammation
So, how does a bit of ‘harmless’ belly fat end up playing a role in cancer? It is actually all linked ot the active and complex visceral fat tissue that is stored deep around the organs.
Unlike the fat just under your skin (subcutaneous fat), visceral fat behaves more like a gland. It releases hormones, inflammatory chemicals, and growth factors that can encourage tumors to form and grow.
One major way this happens is through long-term inflammation. Visceral fat cells are large and tightly packed, which means they get less oxygen.
That low oxygen triggers a constant, mild immune response throughout your body. Immune cells rush in, and inflammatory molecules called cytokines are released.
Over time, this chronic inflammation can harm DNA, mess with how cells grow and divide, and create the ideal conditions for cells to multiply out of control, the root of cancer [ref].
So while it might seem like a little extra weight is just sitting there, it is actually quite busy behind the scenes, setting off biological changes that can raise your cancer risk.
Hormonal imbalance can fuel cell growth
Another major factor is hormonal imbalance. Fat tissue, especially in women after menopause, produces large amounts of estrogen [ref].
High estrogen levels raise the risk of cancers like breast and endometrial cancer by encouraging cells in these tissues to grow uncontrollably.
In addition to estrogen, obesity causes high serum values of insulin and a growth factor called IGF-1.
This condition, known as hyperinsulinemia, usually happens because of insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
These high hormone levels help cancer cells grow and stop them from dying, which can speed up tumor formation [ref].
Moreover, fat cells release special hormones called adipokines, which can either help or hinder cell growth.
One example is leptin, a hormone that rises with body fat and can cause abnormal cell growth. On the other hand, adiponectin, known for fighting cancer, is usually found in lower amounts in people with obesity, which can lead to more tumor growth.
Visceral vs. subcutaneous fat
Understanding the difference between belly fat and total body fat is important. Studies show that having more belly (visceral) fat can raise cancer risk more than fat under the skin (subcutaneous) [ref].
People with an ‘apple’ shape, carrying fat near the waist, face more risk than those with a ‘pear’ shape, who carry weight in their hips and thighs.
This belly fat is active in the body, producing hormones and inflammation that may help cancer grow.
Large population studies tracking health over time support this link. They show that cancer risk rises with higher BMI and waist size, and the longer someone stays overweight, the greater the risk.
The bottom line
Even though the science behind it is still being figured out, one thing is clear that keeping a healthy weight can help you prevent cancer.
Doing this means combining healthy habits, eating a diet full of fruits, veggies, plus whole grains, staying active regularly, and cutting back on processed food and sugary drinks.
For people dealing with obesity, losing even a little bit of weight can make a big difference in lowering cancer risk, showing how important it is to take charge of your health.
Research strongly links obesity, especially belly fat, to a higher risk of cancer, and new findings keep emerging. Knowing how fat interacts with our body helps us make smarter health decisions.
Fat is not just stored energy, it actively affects our health and chances of disease. Working toward a healthier weight is not only about how we look; it is a powerful way to protect our future.
By managing weight, we lower our risk of serious illness, including cancer, making it a meaningful and lasting investment in our well-being and long-term quality of life.
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