Mixed
Maintaining a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25.0 kg/m2 reduces the risk of several cancers, including breast (postmenopausal), colon, endometrium, esophagus, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidney cancers.
Strive to maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 25.0 kg/m2 by balancing your caloric intake with physical activity. If you are overweight or obese, focus on gradual weight loss through portion control and increased activity, as this reduces risk for multiple cancers.
Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for cancers at several sites: breast (among postmenopausal women), colon, endometrium, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidney... experts consider a BMI within the range of 18.5 to 25.0 kg/m2 to be healthful
Why this rating
Supported by both animal and epidemiological studies, though direct evidence that weight loss reduces cancer risk is not yet convincing.
Source
American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention: Reducing the Risk of Cancer with Healthy Food Choices and Physical Activity
T. Byers et al. · CA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians · 2002
DOI 10.3322/canjclin.52.2.92
More from this paper
- Consuming five or more servings daily of a variety of vegetables and fruits reduces the risk of lung, oral, esophageal, stomach, and colon cancers, whereas high-dose beta-carotene supplementation in smokers increases lung cancer risk.Good
- Engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five or more days per week reduces the risk of breast and colon cancers, with 45 minutes or more providing further enhancement.Good
Related findings · Mixed
- Bariatric surgery (VSG and RYGB) is the most effective and sustainable treatment for obesity, producing marked and sustained weight loss that non-surgical interventions cannot match.Strong
- Severely protein-deficient diets (2–3% energy) induce lean body mass loss and metabolic imbalance, whereas adequate protein intake (0.66 g/kg/d minimum) is a prerequisite for maintaining muscle, bone, and physiological function.Strong
- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →