The Effect of Intentional Weight Loss on Gastrointestinal Cancers in Obese People

Abstract

Approximately 20% of the incidence of cancers are caused by obesity. There have been several studies showing that weight loss, through calorie reduction and increased exercise, can potentially reduce the risk of cancer in obese people. But currently other special methods such as anti-obesity drugs or bariatric surgeries are used for intentional weight loss. Whether such intentional weight loss protect against gastrointestinal malignancies in obese people is a matter of debate. The purpose of the present review was to evaluate the evidence for recommending intentional weight loss as a mean of gastrointestinal cancer prevention.