Overweight and obesity rank as the second-leading lifestyle risk for cancer after smoking. Drawing on decades of expertise, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) convened an international panel of specialists to analyze global studies on weight gain. Their comprehensive report, "Diet, nutrition and physical activity: Energy balance and body fatness," is part of the largest-ever investigation into nutrition, lifestyle, and cancer prevention.
Factors Beyond Your Control That Contribute to Weight Gain
Certain influences are hard to change, including:
Heredity.
Psychosocial elements like stress, eating disorders, and depression.
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy—children of overweight or obese mothers face higher risks.
Environmental and policy issues, such as access to affordable healthy foods.
Gut bacteria composition.
Yet, many aspects of diet and lifestyle are fully within your power to shape.
Lifestyle Habits That Increase Overweight and Obesity Risk
Excessive screen time, with strongest evidence in children—prolonged use of computers, tablets, or TVs correlates with higher obesity rates.
Drinks with added sugars.
Fast food consumption.
A Western-style diet high in meat, sugar, and fat.
Proven Ways to Lower Overweight and Obesity Risk
Regular walking.
Moderate-intensity activities like cycling.
Fiber-rich foods such as wholemeal bread and brown rice.
A traditional Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil, and modest amounts of meat and dairy.
Breastfeeding infants.
The Link Between Overweight, Obesity, and Cancer
Excess body fat elevates the risk for 12 types of cancer. As the premier authority on diet, nutrition, activity, and cancer, WCRF strongly recommends maintaining a healthy weight throughout adulthood to stay within healthy limits and avoid gain.
