In a new study, researchers found that an intensive lifestyle intervention aimed at weight loss lowered the risk of obesity-related cancers in people with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The research was conducted by a team at Johns Hopkins University.
Previous studies have shown obesity is linked to increased risk of some cancers, but there was no evidence from clinical trials to date that have evaluated whether intensive lifestyle intervention for weight loss can reduce the risk of cancer.
In the study, the team tested whether participants randomized to the intensive lifestyle intervention designed for weight loss would have reduced overall cancer incidence, obesity-related cancer incidence, and cancer mortality.
For the analysis of cancer outcomes, 4,859 participants who had not reported a cancer diagnosis were included.
The intensive lifestyle intervention was designed to achieve and maintain a weight loss of at least 7% by facilitating reduced caloric intake and increased physical activity.
Specific intervention strategies included a calorie goal of 1,200 to 1,800 kcal/d, the use of meal replacement products, and at least 175 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
After a follow-up of 11 years, 684 participants (332 in intensive lifestyle intervention and 352 in the control group) were diagnosed with cancer.
The researchers found an intensive lifestyle intervention aimed at weight loss lowered incidence of obesity-related cancers by 16% in adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The finding suggests that a weight loss-focused lifestyle intervention can help to lower the risk of obesity-related cancers.
The team says future studies should also explore the magnitude of weight loss that is needed to lower risk for obesity-associated cancers.
One author of the study is Hsin-Chieh “Jessica” Yeh, Ph.D.
The study is published in Obesity.
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