Barcelona, July 6, 2023 – The study Longitudinal body mass index and cancer risk: a cohort study of 2.6 million Catalan adults, published in Nature Communications, found that overweight and obesity in early adulthood (ages 18 to 40) may be linked to up to 18 types of cancer, five more than previously thought. The study found that the longer the duration, the higher the degree, and the younger the age of onset of overweight or obesity, the greater the associated risk of developing these 18 cancers.
This large study of 2,645,885 Catalan adults analyzed BMI throughout life rather than focusing on a single measurement. It was led by researchers at the Jordi Gol Primary Care Research Institute (IDIAPJGol) in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and funded by the Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds (WKOF). Previous evidence from the World Cancer Research Fund had linked overweight and obesity to at least 13 different cancers. Some of the new cancers identified in this study include leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and among never-smokers, cancers of the head, neck, and bladder.
Andrea Pistillo, one of the lead authors, states: “In this study, we used advanced methodologies to recover missing BMI information from participants. After nine years of follow-up, 225,396 participants were diagnosed with cancer. We found that, in addition to baseline BMI, other BMI-related indicators—such as duration, degree, and age of onset of overweight and obesity—are associated with risk of 18 types of cancer.” Until now, only 13 cancers had been linked to high BMI. One goal of the study was to evaluate whether, over the life course, adiposity-related exposures are more relevant cancer risk factors than a single BMI measurement.
Dr. Heinz Freisling of the IARC and co-leader of the study says: “Our results support a reevaluation of the cancer burden associated with overweight and obesity, which is likely underestimated.”
Dr. Talita Duarte-Sallés, principal investigator at IDIAPJGol, emphasizes the public health implications: “These compelling results support implementing primary care–based cancer prevention strategies, with a strong focus on preventing and reducing early overweight and obesity. This pioneering research represents a significant milestone in understanding the complex relationship between overweight/obesity and cancer risk. With this finding, the global community has a powerful tool to guide targeted interventions, develop effective prevention strategies, and ultimately impact cancer outcomes worldwide.”
Panagiota Mitrou, director of research, policy, and innovation at the World Cancer Research Fund, explains: “This large study has future public health implications, as it demonstrates five additional cancers, including leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, associated with overweight and obesity. Our evidence shows that maintaining a healthy weight across life is one of the most important actions people can take to reduce cancer risk, and early prevention in adulthood is key.”
About IDIAPJGol:
The Jordi Gol Primary Care Research Institute (IDIAPJGol) is a leading institute specialized in primary care research. Committed to advancing healthcare through rigorous scientific research, it collaborates with national and international partners to make substantial contributions to medical knowledge.
About the World Cancer Research Fund:
The World Cancer Research Fund examines how diet, nutrition, body weight, and physical activity affect cancer risk and survival. Part of an international network of charities, it funds life-saving research, influences global public health policy, and educates the public since 1982. Its work helps people live longer, healthier, happier lives, free from the devastating effects of cancer.
