Obese women are at a 41% higher lifetime risk of developing a weight-related cancer than women of a healthy weight, the new statistics show.
Credit: Medical News Today

Women who are obese are around 40% more likely to develop certain forms of cancer than those of a healthy weight. This is according to new estimates calculated by Cancer Research UK.

Obesity – defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher – is a major problem in the US, affecting more than a third of adults and almost a fifth of children and adolescents.

It is well established that obesity can increase cancer risk. According to the American Cancer Society, excess body weight may contribute to cancer development through a number of mechanisms. It can interfere with immune system function, for example, or affect levels of hormones – such as estrogen and insulin – to drive cancer development.

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