Healthy weight and cancer prevention:the mechanistic and dose-effect relationship between obesity and cancer

Zou Hui; Xu Shufang

doi:10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.04.006

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Electronic Journal of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer ›› 2026, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (4) : 491-495. DOI: 10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.04.006

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Healthy weight and cancer prevention:the mechanistic and dose-effect relationship between obesity and cancer

¹Zou Hui, ²Xu Shufang

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Abstract

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Fat accumulation and dysfunction of adipose tissue trigger inflammatory responses and abnormal hormone secretion, leading to a reduction in gut probiotic species and an overgrowth of bacterial communities linked to cancer development. These changes inhibit immune-mediated tumor cell clearance and promote cancer progression through genomic instability induced by oxidative stress and DNA damage, potentially adversely affecting treatment outcomes and survival rates in cancer patients. Achieving a healthy body weight can be achieved through a balanced diet, increased physical activity, maintaining a regular lifestyle, as well as pharmacological and surgical interventions. Weight loss therapy reduces cancer risk by mitigating the adverse effects of obesity; however, a weight loss over 10% is typically required to achieve significant cancer risk reduction. This article discusses the correlation between obesity and cancer pathogenesis, as well as weight loss strategies from a scientific anticancer perspective.

Key words

Obesity / Tumor metabolism / Inflammatory response / Immune evasion / Oxidative stress / Gut microbiota / Weight loss / Dose-response relationship

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Zou Hui, Xu Shufang. Healthy weight and cancer prevention:the mechanistic and dose-effect relationship between obesity and cancer[J]. Electronic Journal of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer. 2026, 13(4): 491-495 https://doi.org/10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.04.006

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