{"id":7166,"date":"2025-08-22T12:49:30","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T12:49:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/22\/obesity-and-cancer-understanding-the-hidden-link-and-how-to-fight-back-health-and-fitness-news\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T12:49:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T12:49:30","slug":"obesity-and-cancer-understanding-the-hidden-link-and-how-to-fight-back-health-and-fitness-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/22\/obesity-and-cancer-understanding-the-hidden-link-and-how-to-fight-back-health-and-fitness-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Obesity And Cancer: Understanding The Hidden Link And How To Fight Back | Health and Fitness News"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"story-9521902\">\n<p><span class=\"jsx-3cea4b2331e41d4a\">Last Updated:<\/span><time class=\"jsx-3cea4b2331e41d4a\">August 22, 2025, 16:25 IST<\/time><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"asubttl-9521902\" class=\"jsx-ff263f4b724d470d jsx-90926449 asubttl-schema\">Obesity isn\u2019t just about appearance, it\u2019s a major cancer risk. Experts explain the link and share practical lifestyle changes to protect your health.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"jsx-f62078ffd315d67c artsharwrp\">\n<div id=\"artshare\" class=\"jsx-f62078ffd315d67c artshare\">\n<div class=\"jsx-f62078ffd315d67c stickdiv\">\n<div class=\"jsx-f62078ffd315d67c deskwrapstkdiv\">\n<div class=\"jsx-f62078ffd315d67c flwonstk\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news18.co\/gnps-en-btn\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin:0 12px 0 0\" class=\"jsx-f62078ffd315d67c\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/dlxczavtqcctuei\/news18\/static\/images\/english\/gogole-serarch-btn.svg\" alt=\"Click to add News18 as a preferred source on Google\" title=\"Click to add News18 as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"94px\" height=\"30px\" style=\"vertical-align:top\" class=\"jsx-f62078ffd315d67c\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jsx-f62078ffd315d67c fontchange\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/dlxczavtqcctuei\/news18\/static\/images\/english\/font.svg\" height=\"30px\" width=\"30px\" alt=\"font\" class=\"jsx-f62078ffd315d67c lazyload\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"jsx-ff263f4b724d470d jsx-90926449 amimg\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Obesity contributes to nearly 20% of global cancer cases.\" title=\"Obesity contributes to nearly 20% of global cancer cases.\" src=\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/ibnlive\/uploads\/2021\/07\/1627283897_news18_logo-1200x800.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=400&amp;height=225\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"jsx-ff263f4b724d470d jsx-90926449\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Obesity contributes to nearly 20% of global cancer cases.<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"0\" class=\"story_para_0\">Obesity is often discussed in the context of diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues. But there\u2019s a less-recognised danger: cancer. Studies show that excess body fat contributes to nearly 20% of all cancer cases globally. India, with rising obesity rates, is witnessing a similar trend, making awareness and prevention more urgent than ever.<\/p>\n<p id=\"1\" class=\"story_para_1\">Dr. Sredharan M, Consultant in Surgical Oncology at Manipal Hospital, Goa, stresses, \u201cFor the sake of prevention, it is important to learn about this under-recognised connection.&#8221; He explains that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/lifestyle\/whats-really-causing-obesity-its-not-just-junk-food-or-sitting-too-much-9443713.html\">obesity<\/a> affects the body biologically in ways that fuel cancer growth, from hormonal imbalance to chronic inflammation.<\/p>\n<p id=\"2\" class=\"story_para_2\"><strong>How Obesity Fuels Cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"3\" class=\"story_para_3\">Excess fat disrupts several key mechanisms in the body:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"listOncontentArticleUL\">\n<li><strong>Hormonal Imbalance:<\/strong> Elevated estrogen levels promote growth in hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and uterine cancers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chronic Inflammation:<\/strong> Persistent inflammation damages DNA and encourages tumour formation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insulin Resistance:<\/strong> High insulin and IGF-1 levels drive cell proliferation and reduce natural cell death.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adipokine Dysregulation:<\/strong> Molecules like leptin produced by fat tissue can stimulate cancer growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"5\" class=\"story_para_5\">Dr. Sachin Sekhar Biswal, Consultant in Medical Oncology at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, adds, \u201cStarting from causal association to outcomes of treatment, recurrences, and prognosis, each step in cancer patients\u2019 journey gets affected by obesity.&#8221; He points out that certain cancers, such as endometrial, ovarian, breast, kidney, and colorectal, show a particularly strong link with excess body weight.<\/p>\n<p id=\"6\" class=\"story_para_6\"><strong>Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"7\" class=\"story_para_7\">The good news? Small, sustainable changes can dramatically reduce cancer risk. Experts recommend:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"listOncontentArticleUL\">\n<li><strong>Move More:<\/strong> Moderate exercise \u2013 just 150 minutes per week \u2013 lowers insulin and inflammation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eat Smart:<\/strong> Emphasise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats; avoid ultra-processed foods.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prioritise Sleep and Manage Stress:<\/strong> Both impact metabolic health and weight gain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"9\" class=\"story_para_9\">Dr. Sredharan emphasises, \u201cWeight is not about the scale; it is about cancer risk, being alive, and quality of life.&#8221; Dr. Biswal echoes this, noting that weight reduction \u2013 whether through diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery \u2013 can decrease both cancer incidence and mortality, supporting better outcomes for survivors and the general population alike.<\/p>\n<p id=\"10\" class=\"story_para_10\"><strong>Rethinking Obesity<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"11\" class=\"story_para_11\">Obesity is not merely a cosmetic concern; it\u2019s a modifiable risk factor for life-threatening disease. By understanding the connection and taking practical steps, individuals can actively reduce their cancer risk while improving overall well-being.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-ff263f4b724d470d jsx-90926449 artcta\">\n<div style=\"font-family:Inter;font-size:17px;line-height:29px\">\n<div style=\"font-family:Inter;font-size:17px;line-height:29px\"><span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/lifestyle\/health-and-fitness\/\">health<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/topics\/fashion\/\">fashion<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/lifestyle\/travel\/\">travel<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/lifestyle\/food\/\">food<\/a>, wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. <\/span>Also\u00a0Download the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/onelink.to\/eng-article-eop\">News18 App<\/a> to stay updated.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"jsx-ff263f4b724d470d jsx-90926449 atbtlink Location\"><span>Location :<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Delhi, India, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"coral-wrap\" class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f \">\n<div class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f coral-cont\">\n<div class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f coltoptxt\">Disclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/disclaimer\/\" class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f\">Terms of Use<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/privacy_policy\/\" class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/lifestyle\/health-and-fitness\/obesity-and-cancer-understanding-the-hidden-link-and-how-to-fight-back-ws-l-9521902.html\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last Updated:August 22, 2025, 16:25 IST Obesity isn\u2019t just about appearance, it\u2019s a major cancer risk. Experts explain the link and share practical lifestyle changes to protect your health. Obesity contributes to nearly 20% of global cancer cases. Obesity is often discussed in the context of diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues. But there\u2019s a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7167,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7166"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7166\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7167"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}