Carrying Extra Weight? Here’s What It Could Mean for Your Cancer Risk

Carrying extra weight isn’t just hard on your joints and your heart—it can put you at serious risk for cancer. A new study published in News Medical Life Sciences (July, 2025) revealed that cancer deaths linked to obesity have tripled in the last 20 years. That’s not a small jump—it’s a full-blown warning. And since over 40% of Americans are classified as obese, it affects millions of us.

This research (which examined more than 33,000 deaths from obesity-associated cancers) points to 13 different types of cancer that are more likely to develop in folks who are overweight. We’re talking about breast cancer, colon, liver, pancreas, and several others (see list below). And the most heartbreaking part? It’s not just affecting older people anymore. Younger adults—especially women—are seeing these risks go up fast. Black and Native American communities are being hit hard too, along with folks living in rural areas.

This isn’t about judging anyone. It’s about understanding that what we put in our bodies—our food, our habits, even how we handle stress—plays a much bigger role in cancer than most people realize. And the good news is: once you know what’s driving the problem, you can start turning things around.

Stored Inflammation

I wrote about the obesity, inflammation, and cancer link in my article, “Does Inflammation Cause Cancer?” Here’s what you need to know. There are two types of inflammation – short term and chronic. Chronic inflammation has been known to cause cancer since Virchow discovered it in 1863. Fat tissue, especially around the belly, produces inflammatory chemicals that can disrupt hormones, weaken the immune system, and fuel cancer growth. That’s why cancers like breast, endometrial, colon, and even pancreatic cancer are on that list of 13 tied to obesity: (source: News Medical Life Sciences, July 2025)

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
Breast (in women who have gone through menopause)
Colon and rectum
Uterus
Gallbladder
Upper stomach
Kidneys
Liver
Ovaries
Pancreas
Thyroid
Meningioma (a type of brain cancer)
Multiple myeloma

Start Small… But Start Now

Whenever someone feels overwhelmed about where to begin, especially when it comes to losing weight, I always say—start small. Cut back on the sugar, carbohydrates, and other foods high on the glycemic index:

Sweets, sugar, candy, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, soft drinks
Sticky fruits (e.g., raisins)
Pasta (especially refined)
White bread
Potatoes
Corn and other highly refined grains

Next, move your body every day if possible, even if it’s just a short walk around the block. Work up to it if you have to. Science has proven that exercise induces autophagy (the death of cancer cells). The ideal amount of exercise to stimulate autophagy without overdoing it is typically 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity, 3 to 5 times a week. Read more about it in my article, “Exercise-Induced Autophagy: Unlocking the Body’s Natural Cancer Defense.”

And don’t underestimate the way your mindset plays into this. The body hears everything you believe about it—so speak life, and take one step at a time. I’ve always said that belief in whatever you’re doing to help yourself is half the battle. See my article, “How Your Thoughts Influence Your Healing.”

You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Just begin. Small steps, done consistently, can lead to big changes. I’ve walked this road myself, and I can tell you—it’s never too late to turn things around. Your body is wiser than you think. Trust it. Support it. And don’t give up. Not now. Not ever.

P.S. Here are some articles about diet that I think you’ll find helpful:

Resources:

The Endocrine Society. “Study: Obesity-Linked Cancer Deaths Have Tripled in the United States.” News-Medical Life Sciences, July 13, 2025. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250713/Study-Obesity-linked-cancer-deaths-have-tripled-in-the-United-States.aspx.

Emmerich, Samuel D., Cheryl D. Fryar, Bryan Stierman, and Cynthia L. Ogden. Obesity and Severe Obesity Prevalence in Adults: United States, August 2021–August 2023. NCHS Data Brief No. 508. National Center for Health Statistics, September 2024. Study: Obesity-linked cancer deaths have tripled in the United States

National Cancer Institute. Obesity and Cancer Fact Sheet. Updated February 10, 2022. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/obesity-fact-sheet.

Levy, Robert. “Dousing the Flames: Why Inflammation May Blaze a Trail for Cancer.” Paths of Progress (Fall/Winter 2014), Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, October 14, 2014. https://www.dana-farber.org/newsroom/publications/paths-of-progress-fall-winter-2014/dousing-the-flames

Stored Inflammation

Start Small… But Start Now

Eat Healthy, Wherever You Are!

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