Body Weight Linked to Cancer: What You Need to Know
Did you know that carrying extra weight can increase your cancer risk? It’s true. The team at CMC Weight Loss, led by bariatric surgeon Dr. Zaher Nuwayhid, wants you to understand this important connection.
Take the first step toward reducing your cancer risk. Watch our free online seminar. Then schedule a consultation with CMC Weight Loss by calling 843-347-3900. Dr. Nuwayhid and his expert team offer personalized weight management plans that can help improve your overall health and reduce cancer risk factors.
In this article:
The Obesity-Cancer Connection
“We see many patients who aren’t aware that obesity increases cancer risk,” says Dr. Nuwayhid. “But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is linked to at least 13 different types of cancer, which together make up about 40% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States.”
When excess fat builds up in your body, it doesn’t just sit there—it actively changes how your body works.
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) explains that fat tissue produces hormones and growth factors that can make cancer more likely to develop.
The team at CMC Weight Loss specializes in helping patients understand and address these risk factors through evidence-based treatments.
Which Types of Cancer Are Linked to Weight
For women, breast cancer after menopause is the most common obesity-related cancer. For men, it’s colorectal cancer. But the list doesn’t stop there.
The Mayo Clinic reports that obesity increases risk for many other cancers, including:
- Endometrial (uterine) cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Multiple myeloma (a blood cancer)
- Liver cancer
“What’s concerning,” Dr. Nuwayhid points out, “is that we’re seeing these cancers in younger people now. The CDC has documented rising rates of obesity-related cancers in adults under 50, which parallels increasing childhood obesity rates.”
At CMC Weight Loss, addressing these risks is a key component of their comprehensive approach to weight management.
Why Extra Weight Increases Cancer Risk
The team at CMC Weight Loss wants you to understand what’s happening in your body when you carry extra weight:
Inflammation Gets Out of Hand
“Think of inflammation like a fire in your body,” explains Dr. Nuwayhid. “A little bit helps fight infection, but the chronic inflammation from obesity keeps that fire burning all the time.”
The National Cancer Institute confirms that this persistent inflammation can damage your DNA and lead to cancer.
CMC Weight Loss offers treatments that help reduce this harmful inflammation by addressing its root cause.
Hormone Havoc
“Fat cells aren’t just storage—they’re like little hormone factories,” says Dr. Nuwayhid. “They produce estrogen, which can fuel certain cancers, especially breast cancer.”
The Mayo Clinic notes that after menopause, fat tissue becomes the main source of estrogen, which explains the stronger link between obesity and postmenopausal breast cancer.
Weight management at CMC Weight Loss helps restore healthy hormone balance.
Insulin Problems
“When you carry extra weight, your body often struggles with insulin,” Dr. Nuwayhid explains. “Higher insulin levels can tell cells to divide more often, which increases cancer risk.”
According to ASMBS, this insulin resistance creates an environment where cancer cells may thrive.
Cancer Screening Special Considerations
Getting screened for cancer is important for everyone, but if you’re carrying extra weight, you might face some unique challenges. The CMC Weight Loss team offers solutions:
For Breast Cancer
Standard mammograms can be less accurate for women with obesity. Conway Medical Center patients have access to 3D mammography, which finds 40% more invasive cancers.
This aligns with American Cancer Society recommendations for more thorough screening in higher-risk populations.
For Colorectal Cancer
“We know that people with higher BMIs are less likely to get screened for colon cancer,” says Dr. Nuwayhid. “But with testing now recommended starting at age 45 by the CDC, we make sure our patients know their options and get the tests they need.”
The team at CMC Weight Loss can coordinate with CMC Digestive Health to ensure you are up-to-date with your screenings.
For Prostate Cancer
“Men with obesity might have lower PSA levels, making prostate cancer harder to detect,” explains Dr. Nuwayhid. “We work with our male patients to ensure they receive appropriate screening that accounts for this difference.”
CMC Weight Loss emphasizes the importance of comprehensive health monitoring alongside weight management.
How Weight Loss Reduces Cancer Risk
Here’s the encouraging part: the National Cancer Institute reports that even modest weight loss can significantly lower your cancer risk.
“We’ve seen remarkable changes in our patients who lose just 5-10% of their body weight,” says Dr. Nuwayhid. “Not only do they feel better, but their cancer risk markers improve.”
The comprehensive programs at CMC Weight Loss, are designed to help patients achieve these meaningful improvements for healthy outcomes.
CMC Weight Loss Treatment Options
Dr. Nuwayhid and his team offer several proven approaches:
1. Personalized Nutrition Plans
“We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all diets,” says Dr. Nuwayhid. “Our nutritionists create sustainable plans that work with your lifestyle.”
At CMC Weight Loss, nutrition plans are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences.
2. Movement That Fits Your Life
“Exercise doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym,” explains Dr. Nuwayhid. “Recent research shows that even short bursts of activity can help.”
The CDC recommends finding physical activities you enjoy, making you more likely to stick with them.
The experts at CMC Weight Loss help patients discover physical activities that feel sustainable and enjoyable. Our patients have access to our on-campus Rehab Services gym. We have a walking club that meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm which meets in the gym and utilizes our indoor climate-controlled walking path.
3. Effective Medications
“Today’s weight loss medications are game-changers,” says Dr. Nuwayhid. “They can help reduce hunger and make healthy eating easier.”
According to ASMBS, these medications can help patients achieve 15-20% weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
CMC Weight Loss provides access to the latest FDA-approved medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
4. Surgical Options That Work
For those with BMI over 35, Dr. Nuwayhid performs advanced bariatric procedures.
“Modern weight loss surgery is safe and effective,” he explains. “The ASMBS reports that patients typically lose 60-80% of their excess weight while seeing improvement in obesity-related conditions.”
The CMC Weight Loss team emphasizes that most bariatric surgeries take about an hour, with an overnight hospital stay or one full day (based on your insurance coverage).
“Most of our patients return to work within 7-10 days,” notes Dr. Nuwayhid. “And the benefits last a lifetime.”
Taking the First Step
“Obesity is a complex medical condition, not a lifestyle choice or personal failing,” Dr. Nuwayhid emphasizes. “At CMC Weight Loss, we offer science-based treatments that work.”
Ready to reduce your cancer risk and improve your health? The team at CMC Weight Loss is here to help. With personalized plans, medical expertise, and compassionate support, they’re helping patients live healthier, happier lives every day.
Watch our free online seminar and then request an appointment with CMC Weight Loss today to meet with Dr. Nuwayhid and his expert team. Your journey to better health and reduced cancer risk starts with a single step. Call 843-347-3900 to learn more.
Key Takeaways:
- Obesity is linked to at least 13 different types of cancer, accounting for approximately 40% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States.
- Excess fat tissue actively produces hormones, triggers inflammation, and affects insulin levels, creating conditions that can promote cancer development.
- Cancer screening may require special considerations for individuals with obesity, including 3D mammography for breast cancer detection.
- Even modest weight loss of 5-10% can significantly reduce cancer risk factors and improve overall health.
- CMC Weight Loss offers personalized treatment options including nutrition plans, appropriate physical activity, medications, and surgical interventions.
- Modern bariatric procedures are safe, effective, and typically allow patients to return to work within 7-10 days while providing lifetime benefits.
- Working with specialists like Dr. Nuwayhid at CMC Weight Loss provides access to evidence-based treatments and compassionate support.
Take our FREE online seminar!
Your weight loss journey begins here.
I’m Interested in Weight Loss Surgery
For those interested in learning more about how bariatric surgery might help you, Dr. Zaher Nuwayhid and the CMC Weight Loss team invite you to watch his weight loss seminar and complete the short questionnaire to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and develop a personalized treatment plan.
What’s Next?
- Watch our FREE online seminar and take the short quiz at the end
- Submit your Insurance Coverage Patient Form
- Obtain a referral from your primary care physician
- Schedule your initial consultation
- Begin your transformation with confidence
Contact CMC Weight Loss today at 843-347-3900 to learn how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals safely and affordably. Your journey to better health begins here, supported by South Carolina’s leading bariatric program. Dr. Zaher Nuwayhid and his team look forward to partnering with you on your weight loss journey.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Obesity and Cancer,” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/risk-factors/obesity.html
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, “Cancer,” https://asmbs.org/condition_procedures/cancer/
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, “Benefits of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery,” https://asmbs.org/patients/benefits-of-metabolic-and-bariatric-surgery/
Mayo Clinic, “Excess body weight, alcohol and tobacco: How lifestyle can affect your cancer risk,” https://cancerblog.mayoclinic.org/2024/02/20/excess-body-weight-alcohol-and-tobacco-how-lifestyle-can-affect-your-cancer-risk/#:~:text=Excess%20body%20weight%20and%20cancer,Thyroid%20cancer
Mayo Clinic, “Beyond weight loss: Bariatric surgery may reduce cancer risk,” https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/bariatric-surgery-and-cancer-risk#:~:text=When%20you%20think%20about%20obesity,pro%2Dinflammatory%20hormones%20and%20estrogen
National Cancer Institute, “Obesity and Cancer,” https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/obesity-fact-sheet
Dr. Zaher Nuwayhid is a board-certified and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon specializing in advanced weight loss procedures at Conway Medical Center.
