New study links excess weight to higher risk of multiple cancers

Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center, headed by epidemiologist Hermann Brenner, reassessed how excess body weight contributes to cancer risk by using waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in addition to BMI. Analyzing data from the UK Biobank over an average follow-up of 12 years, they identified about 50,000 new cancer cases and observed a pronounced connection between abdominal fat and cancers of the colon, breast, liver and ten other types.

By excluding cancers diagnosed within the first few years of enrollment, the researchers avoided bias from weight loss caused by undetected tumors. The work challenges earlier estimates that linked only a small fraction of cancers to obesity. Experts note that hormonal mechanisms, especially elevated estrogen from abdominal fat, may explain why women could be more affected. The authors stress that preventing obesity could substantially improve cancer prevention efforts.