Study Links Being Overweight to Higher Risk of Several Types of Cancer

Note from Connie: Already we've heard about numerous studies that link culprit carbs with cancer. Now a new review paper just published in Lancet finds a connection between obesity and developing several kinds of cancer. Jennifer updates you.

After reviewing 141 medical articles, lead author Andrew Renehan, Ph.D., of the UK's University of Manchester and his colleagues reviewed found that in men, increases in body mass index (BMI) were "strongly associated" with colon, renal, thyroid and esophageal cancer.

Meanwhile, in women, BMI increases had strong associations to endometrial, esophageal, renal and gallbladder cancers. The scientists discovered weaker links between excess weight and other cancers, too.

Dr. Renehan told the AP that they can't yet confirm that being too heavy causes cancer so more research is needed. Still, even without definitive proof that being overweight causes cancer, I'd say this study provides a pretty compelling reason for people to watch their waistlines.

Thanks to AP medical writer Maria Cheng for alerting us to this news.

Jennifer Moore for SUGAR SHOCK! Blog