Obesity multiplies risk of cancer in women twelvefold

The obesity epidemic has worse consequences for women than men. A study by researchers at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona has not only once again confirmed the link between being overweight and cardiovascular diseases and cancer, but also provided a gender slant that shows women to be more vulnerable than men. According to the study, conducted on 54,446 people in seven autonomous regions, while being obese doubles the chances of having cancer in men, in women it multiplies the risk by 12.

Dr. Albert Goday, an endocrinologist at the Hospital del Mar and one of the authors of the study, says the findings are not surprising. “It is known that the hormonal changes that condition obesity are more likely to cause some types of cancer, such as breast or gynecological-type cancers,” Goday explains.

Any increase in the body mass index above recommended levels represents a proportional increase in the risk of developing a tumour. And from this point of view, Goday says that making an extra effort to lose weight is worthwhile as a preventative measure. Among other things, because the study also found the opposite effect, that small weight drops contribute to reducing the risk. This means changing dietary habits and increasing physical activity, Goday said.