According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in the United States, the number of patients with “cancer” is increasing, with over 85,000 cases per year related to obesity. It was found that an increase in BMI by 5 kg/m2 (weight in kg) / height (m)2 increases the risk of cancer by up to 10% (1), including endometrial cancer 46%, esophageal cancer 40%, colorectal cancer 22%, and breast cancer (postmenopausal) 16% (2). According to a study by University College London, an increase in BMI by 5 kg/m2 increases the risk of dementia by 30% (3).
Endometrial Cancer
Because fat stimulates increased production of estrogen, it results in a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Breast Cancer (Postmenopausal)
Since breast cancer is related to estrogen, in postmenopausal women, although the ovaries stop producing this hormone, fat tissue can still produce estrogen, maintaining a high risk of breast cancer.
Colorectal Cancer
Due to the mechanism of abdominal obesity, it is hypothesized that the risk of “colorectal cancer” increases, possibly caused by high insulin levels stimulating tumor growth.
Esophageal Cancer
The main cause of esophageal cancer is still unclear, but abdominal obesity is one factor that increases the risk of this disease. Some studies believe that “acid reflux” may also contribute to the increased risk.
Dementia (Alzheimer’s)
Besides cancer, studies have found that every 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI can increase the risk of dementia by 30%. Obesity or abdominal obesity causes insulin resistance, and since our brain also contains insulin, this affects the development of dementia.
Reference:
- Obesity and Cancer Risk: Recent Review and Evidence. Curr Oncol Rep. 2011 February ; 13(1): 71–76
- The Association between Obesity and Cancer. Kazan and Karalti, et al. Endocrinol Metab Syndr 2015,
- Body mass index and risk of dementia: Analysis of individual-level data from 1.3 million individuals Alzheimers Dement. 2017 Nov 21
Dr. Kobkulya Jungprasertsri
Director of Premier Life Center
Anti-Aging Medicine Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
