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Weight & your health
Obesity and Cancer Risk
Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer. For patients living with obesity, this is an important reason to take a proactive, long-term approach to health. Understanding the link between Obesity and Cancer Risk can help you act early.
Obesity can affect the body in many ways, including hormones, inflammation, insulin levels, and metabolism. Over time, these changes may contribute to a higher risk of certain cancers.
Cancers associated with excess weight
Excess body weight is linked to a higher risk of several cancers [1], including:
- Breast cancer, especially after menopause
- Colon cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Some other blood cancers
Obesity and Cancer Risk: why the connection exists?
The exact reasons are still being studied, but several factors may play a role:
- Chronic inflammation
- Higher insulin levels
- Hormonal changes
- Changes in how fat tissue functions
- Increased pressure on metabolic systems over time
Obesity earlier in life, including during childhood and adolescence, may also increase the risk of cancer later in adulthood [2].
Can weight loss reduce cancer risk?
Body weight loss of 10-25% or more may help lower cancer risk in some patients, especially in women [3]. Studies of bariatric surgery and weight reduction have shown improvements in overall health and, in some groups, a lower incidence of breast cancer in women [4].
Weight loss is not a guarantee against cancer, but reducing excess weight is an important part of preventive health care.
How our practice can help
Our self-pay telemedicine practice provides personalized care for patients who want support with obesity and sleep-related health concerns. We can help with:
- Medical weight management
- Obesity medicine evaluation
- Sleep apnea screening and treatment planning
- Nutrition and lifestyle support
- Medication options for weight loss, when appropriate
- Ongoing follow-up and accountability
When to seek help
If you are concerned about excess weight, sleep apnea, or your long-term health risks, a medical weight management plan may be a good next step. Many patients do better with clinician-guided care than trying to manage weight on their own.
Frequently asked questions
Obesity does not cause every cancer, but it is a recognized risk factor for several types of cancer.
Weight loss may help lower cancer risk in some people, especially when excess weight is reduced over time.
Yes. Obesity is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause. Excess weight loss (10-20% or more of body weight) is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer.
Yes. Telemedicine can support medical weight management, follow-up care, and treatment planning.
Conclusion
Cancer is the third or fourth largest cause of death, with breast cancer being the most common cause of cancer death in women across the world. Excess body weight is associated with a higher risk of several cancers, especially postmenopausal breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and others. Addressing obesity may improve overall health, support better sleep, and help reduce long-term disease risk.
References
- Calle EE, Rodriguez C, Walker-Thurmond K, Thun MJ. Overweight, obesity, and mortality from cancer in a prospectively studied cohort of U.S. adults. N Engl J Med. 2003;348(17):1625–1638. PubMed
- Sarma S, Sockalingam S, Dash S. Obesity as a multisystem disease: trends in obesity rates and obesity-related complications. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2021;23(Suppl. 1):3–16. PubMed
- Sjöström L, Gummesson A, Sjöström CD, et al. Effects of bariatric surgery on cancer incidence in obese patients in Sweden (Swedish Obese Subjects study): a prospective, controlled intervention trial. Lancet Oncol. 2009;10(7):653–662. PubMed
- Kristensson FM, Andersson-Assarsson JC, Peltonen M, et al. Breast cancer risk after bariatric surgery and influence of insulin levels: a nonrandomized controlled trial. JAMA Surg. 2024;159(8):856–863. PubMed
Take the next step
A telemedicine visit with Dr. Sangal can be a practical first step toward answers and a plan.
Self-pay · Telemedicine for residents of California, Massachusetts & Michigan