Mixed
Excess body weight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) is causally associated with a substantial global cancer burden, accounting for approximately 3.9% of all cancers (544,300 cases) in 2012, with the risk driven by the high prevalence of obesity in high-income countries.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of developing several types of cancer. This is not just about aesthetics; excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, creates a biological environment that promotes tumor development. Focus on sustainable lifestyle changes that support a healthy weight, especially if you live in or originate from regions with high obesity rates, as the risk scales with the prevalence of excess weight in your population.
In 2012, excess body weight accounted for approximately 3.9% of all cancers (544,300 cases) with proportion varying from less than 1% in low-income countries to 7% or 8% in some high-income Western countries and in Middle Eastern and Northern African countries.
Why this rating
Based on a comprehensive review of global epidemiological data and IARC/WCRF expert reports confirming causal links.
Source
Global patterns in excess body weight and the associated cancer burden
Hyuna Sung et al. · CA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians · 2018
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 →