Body Fat Location Key to Cancer Risk, New Study Warns
New research reveals that where fat is stored in the body significantly impacts cancer risk, with visceral fat around organs emerging as a key concern. While obesity is a known risk factor, the location of fat is even more critical than overall weight.
Dr. Emma Hazelwood, lead author of the study, warns that BMI may not provide the full picture. Her research shows that fat stored around the liver and pancreas quadruples the risk of liver cancer and doubles the risk of endometrioid ovarian cancer respectively.
Visceral fat, which accumulates around the middle and organs, increases the risk of heart disease even in people with a normal BMI. It also strongly links to a higher risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. This type of fat actively drives cancer risk by causing chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalance.
In contrast, subcutaneous fat stored below the waist has a more complex relationship with cancer risk. While it can raise the risk of endometrial cancer and esophageal adenocarcinoma, it can also be protective for certain types of breast cancer.
The study underscores the importance of understanding where fat is stored in the body, not just how much. Targeting visceral fat, particularly around the liver and pancreas, could be crucial in reducing cancer risk. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between fat storage and cancer.
