The Impact of Fat Distribution on Cancer Risk: New Research Findings

A recent study led by the University of Bristol highlights that the way fat is distributed across the body may significantly influence the risk of developing certain cancers. Published in the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, this research investigates the complex relationship between body fat location and various obesity-related cancers.

While it is well-established that obesity increases the likelihood of some cancers, traditionally measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), emerging evidence suggests that BMI alone may not fully capture health risks associated with excess fat. Specifically, scientists are now exploring how fat stored in different regions of the body impacts cancer susceptibility.

The study utilized Mendelian randomization, a technique that leverages genetic variations to identify causal relationships within large health datasets. The researchers examined whether fat deposited in specific areas—such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs—affects the risk for 12 types of obesity-related cancers including endometrial, ovarian, breast, colorectal, pancreatic, multiple myeloma, liver, kidney, thyroid, gallbladder, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and meningioma.

Findings indicate that fat distribution plays a crucial role, with the impact varying across different cancers. For some, where fat accumulates matters most; for others, the overall amount of fat is more significant. Additionally, the specific body regions where fat is stored influencing cancer risk appear to differ depending on the cancer type, reflecting a complex interplay.

Lead author Dr. Emma Hazelwood explained that these results reinforce the notion that BMI should not be the sole measure of obesity-related health risks. Instead, more personalized assessments considering fat distribution could improve risk prediction and prevention strategies. This aligns with recent calls from the European Association for the Study of Obesity and the Lancet Commission, emphasizing that fat distribution is a key factor in assessing obesity-related health outcomes.

The research paves the way for future investigations into the biological mechanisms linking fat depots to cancer development. Understanding how different types of fat influence tumor formation could lead to more targeted interventions. The team advocates for further studies incorporating diverse populations to enhance the generalizability of these findings.

In conclusion, these insights highlight the importance of looking beyond BMI to understand cancer risk. Recognizing the role of fat distribution may help identify individuals at higher risk and guide more effective, personalized approaches to obesity management and cancer prevention.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-fat-cancer.html