Cancer is a condition characterized by abnormal cell growth. If the cells are allowed to continue growing and spreading unchecked, the endless replication leads to death. The reasons behind cancer are many and might vary from person to person, as a result of heredity, addictions like smoking, deficiency etc.
However, research has thrown light on the fact that obesity is one of the elements that trigger cancer. The link between the two is quite complicated and questionable, but more and more evidence supporting this is being brought up.
For example, diets that are high in saturated fats are likely to result in heart disease, hypertension and some forms of cancer. Another factor whose benefits have been uncovered is a high activity level. People who exercise regularly appear to have a decreased risk of heart disease and, again, several specific forms of cancer.
Medical research has determined with reasonable certainty that obesity is a risk factor for cancers of the colon, breast, endometrium (lining of the uterus), kidney, and oesophagus. Recent studies have shown a connection between low levels of physical activity and breast cancer and a much stronger link between physical activity and colorectal cancer — people who are highly physically active are at much less risk. So we know physical activity is important.
Regarding gallbladder cancers, the majority are adenocarcinomas, that is, they develop from the cells that line the organ. Among the risk factors are gallstones, smoking, and high carbohydrate/low fibre diet. Most patients with the disease are overweight or obese, and obesity is a major risk factor for the development of gallstones.
What Types of Cancer are Caused by Obesity?
Among men, obesity can increase the risk of cancers such as rectum cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. Women who are obese are at high risk of developing cancers such as liver cancer, breast cancer , gall bladder cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer
