Obesity is an increased amount of body fat. It may cause a lot of health
issues, and it is also a risk factor for cancer. But what is obesity exactly?
To define obesity, we need to get familiar with the concept of BMI or body mass index. BMI is a way of calculating the total body weight (mass) against the height. The formula to calculate is Weight/height². (weight in kg and height in m). A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, between 18.5 and 24.9 is normal, 25 or more is overweight, and 30 or more is considered obese.
Obesity increases the risk of many cancers. Endometrial cancer has the most definite relationship with obesity. However, cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum, liver, Gallbladder and Pancreas are also seen more frequently with obesity; it actually means all the cancers of the digestive tract. Also, cancers of Breast in postmenopausal women, Ovary, and thyroid are seen more in obese people.
Even in those diagnosed with cancer, obesity increases the risk of recurrence and mortality. Obesity increases the risks associated with the therapy of cancer. The role of obesity as a risk factor for cancer is usually neglected. By watching our weight and trying to maintain a healthy weight, we can play a significant role in cancer prevention.
