CARRYING EXCESS BODY WEIGHT can have an adverse impact on one’s health in a variety of different ways—and not just in terms of the more obvious obesity-related ailments such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. In fact, having a higher-than-normal body weight is associated with a higher death rate from all causes. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as just one example, being overweight or obese is known to be the greatest predictor of mortality among those infected with the virus (a key message we should all internalize as new variants continue to emerge).
According to David Brown, MD, of The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers, it’s also well established that being overweight or obese increases the risk of multiple cancers, including uterine, kidney, stomach, colorectal, pancreatic and biliary tract, esophageal, ovarian, multiple myeloma, liver, and post-menopausal breast cancers.
Because the term “overweight” is relatively vague—essentially meaning a weight heavier than what is normal—doctors commonly use a more precise measurement called body mass index, or BMI, to help determine how much body fat patients are carrying and, in turn, the degree of health risk they may be facing. An individual’s BMI is calculated by dividing their weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is normal, while 25 to 29.9 is defined as overweight, any number over 30 is considered obese, and anything over 40 is considered morbidly obese.
Putting the relationship between obesity and cancer in perspective, Dr. Brown points out, “Overweight and obesity is estimated to have been the cause of 40 percent of all malignancies in the year 2014. In addition, being obese has been shown to increase the likelihood of dying from a malignancy if one develops.”
Exactly how obesity increases cancer risk is not fully understood, but several factors may come into play. Dr. Brown notes, “Alteration in the way sex hormones are metabolized is one possible mechanism, and insulin and insulin-like growth factors, which can be associated with different malignancies, are another.”
Dr. Brown further explains, “If you take colon cancer alone, it’s been shown that as people develop insulin resistance, insulin growth factors increase and the incidence of colon cancer goes up. Also, we know that weight gain between early adulthood and midlife dramatically increases the risk of developing colon cancer. On the other hand, the risk improves as BMI decreases.”
The specific foods we eat can affect cancer risk as well. For example, according to Dr. Brown, some articles show that the consumption of saturated fats, red meats, and processed meats can increase the risk of colorectal cancer, particularly left-sided colorectal cancer. “There’s also a question whether eating lean red meat lowers cancer risk and whether high-temperature cooking, such as barbecuing or pan-frying, increases risk,” he adds.
From the World Health Organization’s standpoint, the jury is in when it comes to processed meats. In 2015, the WHO classified processed meats as carcinogens, and the organization reaffirmed that position in 2020.
With so much data underscoring the fact that a higher BMI puts people at increased risk of developing cancer and a host of other health issues, it’s clear that one of the wisest lifestyle choices overweight or obese people can make is to shed that extra weight through healthy eating and routine physical activity.
If you think excess body fat might be putting your health at risk, a frank conversation with your doctor is a great place to start.
The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers, located at 4126 N. Holland Sylvania Road, Suite 105, also provides imaging, laboratory, chemotherapy, specialized pharmacy, and IV services. The cancer center consists of 8 medical and 3 radiation oncologists along with 11 nurse practitioners and 4 research nurses. The cancer center also has satellite centers in Maumee, Napoleon, Bowling Green, Wauseon, and Monroe.
The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers has earned Patient-Centered Specialty Practice level 3 recognition and Oncology Medical Home recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Oncology homes align systems and resources with coordinated care focused on cancer patients and their needs. This reduces fragmentation, supports shared decision making, and improves the patient experience. They are the first oncology practice in the state of Michigan and the second oncology practice in the state of Ohio to receive this recognition.
For more information, please call The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers at 419-479-5605.
