Obesity: 7 scary ways excess weight raises cancer risk in women, how to cut it down

Obesity in women: Excess body weight after menopause increases oestrogen levels, raising breast cancer risk; gaining weight in adulthood makes this risk even higher (Image: Canva)

Obesity’s link to cancer in women isn’t common dinner-table talk, but doctors say it should be. From breast to ovarian cancer, excess body fat plays a huge role. With rates rising among younger women too, studies suggest small, early lifestyle changes can help lower this silent risk.

Weight gain is often discussed among women like it’s just about tight jeans or bathroom scales. But behind the jokes and diet resolutions, there’s a quieter, more dangerous link growing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is creeping up to become one of the biggest preventable causes of cancer in women — second only to smoking. The American Cancer Society (ACS) now says more than half of all female cancers are linked to carrying too much body fat. And yet, few women are aware about it.

While obesity is usually linked to heart issues or diabetes, as per the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half a million new cancer cases in the year 2022 were tied directly to excess weight. It’s not just breast cancer on the list. Endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic and even liver cancers are now being linked to obesity. What is even more  worrying is that younger women under 50 are increasingly part of this. The weight gained in your twenties or thirties may not just sit on your hips, it could silently fuel health risks for decades.

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So how exactly does body fat turn into a cancer risk? Experts at WHO explain that after menopause, fat tissue becomes the body’s main factory for producing oestrogen. That extra hormone load can make hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and endometrial far more likely. But it’s not just hormones at play.

According to the American Cancer Society, excess fat also raises insulin levels and sets off chronic inflammation, two big players in cancer development. A CDC study even says that for every 5-unit increase in BMI, the risk for endometrial cancer jumps by 50 to 60 percent.

7 scary ways obesity raises cancer risk in women and how to cut it down:

• Higher cancer risk from weight gain: According to the American Cancer Society, over 50 percent of all female cancer cases are linked to being overweight or obese, making weight management critical for prevention.

• Post-menopausal breast cancer risk spikes: Excess body weight after menopause increases oestrogen levels, raising breast cancer risk; gaining weight in adulthood makes this risk even higher.

• Endometrial and ovarian cancer connection: According to WHO, up to 90 percent of Type I endometrial cancers occur in women with obesity, while ovarian cancer risk also rises with higher BMI levels.

• Worse survival and cancer outcomes: Studies cited by the American Cancer Society reveal that obesity increases cancer-specific mortality rates by about 17 percent, making treatment and recovery more complicated.

• Young women face growing risk: As per new CDC data, younger women are now more frequently diagnosed with obesity-related cancers, with risk among under-50 women rising much faster than among men.

• Losing weight reduces risk: According to the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society, women who lose just 5 to 10 percent of their body weight can lower breast and endometrial cancer risk significantly.

• Waist size also plays a role: Research says that larger waist circumference alone raises cancer risk by at least 11 percent, even in physically active women.

Preventive tips:

It is important to control your growing weight through diet, exercise, and medical help, as these can reduce cancer chances. Experts recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of weekly activity, eating more whole foods, and cutting back on processed snacks and sugary drinks. Regular check-ups and small, consistent changes can help lower long-term cancer risk.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.