Most people know that obesity increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes, but it is also linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Men in particular who have a high body mass index (BMI) are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Carrying more weight in the waist (where men tend to carry extra weight) is associated with more risk than than having a similar amount of fat in the hips or thighs (where women tend to carry extra weight).
Sources:
National Cancer Institute. "Obesity and Cancer: Questions and Answers." U.S. National Institutes of Health. 16 Mar 2004. 22 Feb 09.
Being Overweight Can Contribute to Colon Cancer
By Amber J. Tresca, About.com
Updated February 26, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Suggested Reading
From Other Guides
Elsewhere on the Web
Explore Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >
Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >
Also from About.com:
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.