Hormonal
Obesity, particularly visceral adiposity, significantly increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) through both mechanical factors (increased reflux) and biological mechanisms (adipokine secretion and systemic inflammation).
Maintaining a healthy weight, particularly reducing visceral fat, is a critical strategy for lowering the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. This involves not just weight loss but also managing metabolic health through diet and physical activity, as these factors influence the hormonal and inflammatory environment that drives cancer development.
Meta-analyses of case–control and large prospective cohorts and population-based studies demonstrate consistent associations between obesity and the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophago-gastric junction, with an approximate doubling of risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma among patients who are obese, and an almost five-fold increased risk among those with BMI >40 kg/m2.
Why this rating
Based on large pooled studies, meta-analyses, and consistent mechanistic data.
Source
Obesity and increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma
Jessie A. Elliott et al. · Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2015
DOI 10.1586/17446651.2015.1077696
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