Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2024 Mar 5:10:100106.
doi: 10.1016/j.obpill.2024.100106. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Weight-centric prevention of cancer

Diego Anazco  1 , Andres Acosta  1 , Elizabeth J Cathcart-Rake  2 , Stacy D D'Andre  2 , Maria D Hurtado  3
Affiliations
Review

Weight-centric prevention of cancer

Diego Anazco et al. Obes Pillars. .

Abstract

Background: The link between excess adiposity and carcinogenesis has been well established for multiple malignancies, and cancer is one of the main contributors to obesity-related mortality. The potential role of different weight-loss interventions on cancer risk modification has been assessed, however, its clinical implications remain to be determined. In this clinical review, we present the data assessing the effect of weight loss interventions on cancer risk.

Methods: In this clinical review, we conducted a comprehensive search of relevant literature using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for relevant studies from inception to January 20, 2024. In this clinical review, we present systematic reviews and meta-analysis, randomized clinical trials, and prospective and retrospective observational studies that address the effect of different treatment modalities for obesity in cancer risk. In addition, we incorporate the opinions from experts in the field of obesity medicine and oncology regarding the potential of weight loss as a preventative intervention for cancer.

Results: Intentional weight loss achieved through different modalities has been associated with a reduced cancer incidence. To date, the effect of weight loss on the postmenopausal women population has been more widely studied, with multiple reports indicating a protective effect of weight loss on hormone-dependent malignancies. The effect of bariatric interventions as a protective intervention for cancer has been studied extensively, showing a significant reduction in cancer incidence and mortality, however, data for the effect of bariatric surgery on certain specific types of cancer is conflicting or limited.

Conclusion: Medical nutrition therapy, exercise, antiobesity medication, and bariatric interventions, might lead to a reduction in cancer risk through weight loss-dependent and independent factors. Further evidence is needed to better determine which population might benefit the most, and the amount of weight loss required to provide a clinically significant preventative effect.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Cancer; Obesity; Prevention; Weight loss.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Acosta is a stockholder in Gila Therapeutics, Phenomix Sciences; he served as a consultant for Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, General Mills, and Amgen Pharmaceuticals. Dr. D'Andre is supported by Minnesota Clinical Trials Network (MNCCTN) and 10.13039/100000871Mayo Clinic internal grants to support unrelated research. Dr. Hurtado is supported by the NIH (K12AR084222). No disclosures on behalf of the rest of the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Anatomical sites with strong evidence for association with excess adiposity as established by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Kelly T., Yang W., Chen C.S., Reynolds K., He J. Global burden of obesity in 2005 and projections to 2030. Int J Obes. 2008;32:1431–1437. - PubMed
    1. Ward Z.J., Bleich S.N., Cradock A.L., Barrett J.L., Giles C.M., Flax C., et al. Projected U.S. State-level prevalence of adult obesity and severe obesity. N Engl J Med. 2019;381:2440–2450. - PubMed
    1. Dai H., Alsalhe T.A., Chalghaf N., Riccò M., Bragazzi N.L., Wu J. The global burden of disease attributable to high body mass index in 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study. PLoS Med. 2020;17 - PMC - PubMed
    1. Arnold M., Pandeya N., Byrnes G., Renehan P.A.G., Stevens G.A., Ezzati P.M., et al. Global burden of cancer attributable to high body-mass index in 2012: a population-based study. Lancet Oncol. 2015;16:36–46. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Steele C.B., Thomas C.C., Henley S.J., Massetti G.M., Galuska D.A., Agurs-Collins T., et al. 2017. Vital signs: trends in incidence of cancers associated with overweight and obesity — United States, 2005–2014. - PMC - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources