The global burden and temporal trend of cancer attributable to high body mass index: Estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to describe the burden and temporal trend of cancer attributable to high body mass index (BMI), with major patterns highlighted by sex, Socio-demographic Index (SDI), and geographical region.MethodsThis population-based observational study collected epidemiological data on cancer attributable to high BMI from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2019. The obtained data included deaths, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and their age-standardized rates at the global, gender, SDI, regional, and country levels. The trend magnitudes and directions over time for mortality were analyzed. The associations between SDI and burden of cancer attributable to high BMI were also evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsWorldwide, 462.55 thousand deaths and 11.18 million DALYs of cancer were related to high BMI in 2019, and both have more than doubled since 1990. An annual 0.6% increase was observed for the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and the rate of increase slowed after 2000. In general, the burden of cancer attributable to high BMI was heavier in regions with higher SDI levels, whereas the increase slowed down or even showed a decreasing trend in the recent years. In contrast, in regions with lower SDI levels, although the baseline burden of cancer attributable to high BMI was relatively low, both the numbers and rates of deaths and DALYs showed a significantly increasing trend and may not stop increasing for a period of time. The trend and magnitude of high BMI-related cancer burden varied substantially in different anatomical sites. The leading three cancers of DALYs attributable to high BMI in 2019 were esophageal, colorectal, and liver cancer.ConclusionThe high BMI-related burden of cancers is worsening, particularly in developing countries. Concerted action should be suggested to increase awareness of the harmful effects of high BMI and decrease the burden of disease attributable to high BMI, including cancer.

UEG position paper: Obesity and digestive health

“…-Twenty percent of paediatric 7 and 40% of adult 8 patients with IBD are overweight or obese -A western-type diet is thought to contribute to obesity and IBD 9 -Obesity and/or visceral adiposity may increase the risk for developing surgical complications, hospitalisation and post-operative recurrence in patients with IBD [10][11][12][13][14] Obesity and liver disease -NAFLD is common in people who are obese or morbidly obese (prevalence of 70%-95%) 15 -NAFLD is a leading cause of liver-related mortality in Europe, predicted to become the leading cause of end-stage liver disease unless urgent action is taken 16,17 Obesity and digestive cancers -Obesity is an established risk factor for multiple types of cancer, 18 including pancreatic, 19,20 liver, 21,22 and colorectal 23 cancer -In 2019, 4.6% of all cancer deaths were attributable to obesity 24…”

“…Obesity and digestive cancers Obesity is an established risk factor for multiple types of cancer, 18 including pancreatic, 19 , 20 liver, 21 , 22 and colorectal 23 cancer In 2019, 4.6% of all cancer deaths were attributable to obesity 24 …”

Obesity and cancer stem cells: Roles in cancer initiation, progression and therapy resistance

“…Recent studies have demonstrated that excess body weight is associated with higher risks of several types of cancer, including esophageal adenocarcinoma, multiple myeloma, and cancers of the gastric cardia, colon, rectum, biliary tract system, pancreas, breast, endometrium, ovary, and kidney[ 8 ]. In 2019, the estimated number of high BMI-related cancer cases accounted for 4.59% and 4.45% of all cancer-cause deaths and disability-adjusted life years, respectively[ 9 ]. Obesity can not only increase the risk of tumorigenesis but also promote the progression and metastasis of developed cancer and can affect the therapeutic efficacy and survival of patients with cancer[ 10 ].…”

Eating order and childhood obesity among preschoolers in China: A cross-sectional study

“…In China, childhood obesity has increased rapidly over the past four decades, with the latest prevalence being 6.8% for overweight and 3.6% for obesity in children younger than 6 years old, and 11.1% for overweight and 7.9% for obesity in children and adolescents aged 6–17 years ( 2 ). Overweight and obesity affect children's physical and mental health, leading to a series of adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer ( 3 ). Additionally, school children with overweight or obesity are more vulnerable to bullying and unfair treatment while in school, which can impede their healthy development.…”

“…series of adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer (3). Additionally, school children with overweight or obesity are more vulnerable to bullying and unfair treatment while in school, which can impede their healthy development.…”