Obesity Linked to Cancer Risk in Research
When health risks of obesity are talked about, the risks most ofter mentioned seem to be heart or cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, although cancer risk is also mention. New research from the University of California in San Diego has confirmed that obesity does act as a 'bona fide tumor promoter.' The medical research was reported in the journal Cell, a Cell Press publication (January 22, 2010).
Researchers discovered that liver cancer is fostered by inflammation in the body that goes along with obesity. The research findings suggested that anti inflammatory drugs that might be taken for other conditions could reduce cancer risk.
Earlier research had already indicated that people who are obese have about 1.5 fold increase in cancer risk. Risk of liver cancer is greater, upping the risk to 4.5 fold. Michael Karin, who led the research said 'That may not necessarily sound like a lot, but it equates to about 90,000 extra cancer deaths per year in the United States alone.'
Researchers conducted studies on mice, evaluating the relationship between a high fat diet, a fatty liver and obesity. The results indicated that obese mice had a higher risk of cancer.
Fatty liver is a condition related to certain diseases, obesity, high blood triglycerides, diabetes and alcohol use. Fatty liver related to alcohol use could lead to cirrhosis, a very serious condition. For fatty liver caused by overweight, the key is to lose weight. Weigh loss may help to reduce the fat in the liver, as well as in the overall body.
Understanding that obesity and fatty liver may increase cancer risk may give people the extra incentive needed to implement a plan to lose weight, for better health and longevity. Obesity is not just a quality of life issue, it is a life and health issue.
This article is for informative purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions about a medical condition, please consult a physician.
Resources:
EurekAlert: Cell Press
National Institute of Health NIH
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Published by Christine Bude Nyholm
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