Obesity Causes Increase in Cancer Cases

A recent study that began in late 2019 and was published in March by the scientific journal Plos One, and released by the National Cancer Institute (INCA), showed that spending on cancer cases related to obesity among adults in Brazil reached R$ 1.4 billion out of a total of R$ 3.5 billion allocated by the government to the SUS for the treatment of the disease.

“The numbers are alarming and only reflect what we see in clinics, the increase in obesity,” says endocrinologist Gisele Lorenzoni. “Obese individuals have more fat cells, which release pro-inflammatory proteins that promote chronic inflammation that can aid in the development of cancer,” explains the doctor. Among the cancers that have developed due to obesity are breast, colon, uterus, pancreas, etc.

The prevalence of overweight, including obesity, has increased significantly in recent decades. “This is due to the global food system, which has started to promote energy-dense foods with fewer nutrients, and the increase in the consumption of processed foods, due to the fast-paced routine we had,” highlights Gisele.

In addition to these factors, obesity increased during the pandemic, as routines were altered, and at a time when anxiety over uncertainties took over everyone, the escape was food, and in fact, poor nutrition: “Meal times were neglected – eating out of schedule causes weight gain – along with increased alcohol consumption – which also contributes to calorie intake, meaning most of the population gained weight,” assures the endocrinologist.

It is essential to pay attention to balanced nutrition, physical exercise, and do everything possible to avoid obesity. “This way, we prevent the onset of cancer, which, besides being a serious disease, is highly prevalent due to an economic burden with high direct costs – in medical treatments – and indirect costs – due to loss of productivity and cause of death,” concludes Gisele.

Obesity is defined by a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 – calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height squared – it is a chronic disease that leads to various other health problems, including cancer.

Sources Research: Agência Brasil / EndoNews