World Obesity Day 2022

On the occasion of World Obesity Day, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is summarizing some of the ways in which individuals and policy-makers can reduce the impact of obesity on the global burden of cancer.

At least 40% of cancer cases are potentially preventable, and tobacco smoking and obesity are two of the most important modifiable causes of cancer. It has been estimated that obesity will supersede smoking as the primary cause of cancer in some countries in the next decades.

IARC recognizes obesity as a cause of at least 13 different cancer types. For the cancer types that are associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and sedentary behaviour, an estimated 20–40% of the entire burden of these cancer types is due to these risk factors.

Regular exercise helps to stop the body gaining fat and can therefore help decrease the risk of developing cancer types related to obesity. In addition to the effects of exercise in reducing body fat, separate biological mechanisms related to regular physical activity protect against colorectal cancer, postmenopausal breast cancer, and endometrial cancer, and probably also against premenopausal breast cancer.

Regular exercise or physical activity doesn’t just mean doing sport or working out. Walking or cycling to work, vigorous housework, and taking the stairs instead of the lift are all ways in which individuals can fit more exercise into their daily lives to decrease their risk of cancer. Intentional weight loss, avoiding sugary drinks, and diets rich in fish, fruits, and vegetables can also decrease a person’s risk of developing cancer.

Policy-makers can help to shape environments that favour healthier habits and healthier diets. Examples of actions they can take include: using fiscal policies and marketing controls to influence demand for alcohol and foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and sugar; promoting increased physical activity through modifications of the urban environment that favour walking or cycling; and making school and workplace settings more supportive of health.

Visit the World Health Organization webpage about obesity 

Read more about World Obesity Day 

Read IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention Volume 16: Absence of Excess Body Fatness 

Read IARC Working Group Report No. 10: Energy Balance and Obesity