Energy balance
Intentional weight loss, particularly when sustained, reduces the incidence of obesity-related cancers, with even modest losses (2-4.5 kg) showing significant risk reduction.
You do not need to reach a 'perfect' weight to lower your cancer risk. Sustained, modest weight loss (even just 2-4.5 kg) significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Focus on maintaining this loss through sustainable dietary and activity changes rather than extreme measures.
Sustained weight loss was defined as no less than 2 kg lost between baseline and the first follow-up, which was not regained by the final follow-up. The results demonstrated that, compared with women with stable weight, women with sustained weight loss had a lower risk of breast cancer than women whose weight remained stable; moreover, the larger the weight loss, the lower the risk. It is notable that even modest weight loss (2–4.5 kg) was associated with a significant reduction in risk (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.99).
Why this rating
Strong observational data (cohorts, MR) and intervention trials (bariatric, lifestyle), though large RCTs specifically for cancer incidence are still needed.
Source
Cancer prevention through weight control—where are we in 2020?
Annie S. Anderson et al. · British Journal of Cancer · 2020
DOI 10.1038/s41416-020-01154-3
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