New research published in Blood Advances reveals a significant connection between obesity and the risk of developing monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a benign blood condition and precursor to multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
This study, led by David Lee, MD, MPH, MMSc, from Massachusetts General Hospital, highlights the growing concern about the impact of obesity on cancer outcomes.
MGUS, characterized by the presence of an abnormal protein produced by plasma cells, doesn’t usually cause immediate illness but serves as an indicator for monitoring the potential development of more severe conditions like multiple myeloma.
With nearly 42% of the US population classified as obese, understanding how obesity may influence the risk of developing conditions like MGUS is vital.
Between February 2019 and March 2022, investigators enrolled 2,628 individuals who were at an elevated risk of developing multiple myeloma.
The study defined MGUS by the presence of monoclonal proteins at concentrations of 0.2g/L or greater, identified using mass spectrometry – a highly sensitive method for detecting monoclonal proteins in the blood.
After adjusting for various factors like age, sex, race, education, and income, researchers found that obese individuals had 73% higher odds of having MGUS compared to those with normal weights.
This association persisted even when considering physical activity levels. Intriguingly, highly active individuals were less likely to have MGUS, irrespective of BMI class, whereas heavy smoking and short sleep duration were linked to higher MGUS levels.
The study is a cross-sectional one, providing a snapshot of how certain characteristics relate at a single point in time. While a strong correlation between MGUS, obesity, and lifestyle factors was found, causation cannot be inferred from this study.
Notably, the study’s findings come at a time when the American Medical Association has revised its stance on using BMI as the sole measure of healthy weight, recognizing its limitations in accurately representing body composition and its applicability across different racial and ethnic groups.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to validate these findings in other cohorts, including those followed longitudinally, to delve deeper into how obesity and other modifiable risk factors may influence the development and progression of MGUS.
Dr. Lee’s research underscores the importance of understanding modifiable risk factors like obesity in relation to cancer risk.
As the medical community strives to develop effective preventative health strategies, comprehending the relationship between conditions like MGUS and obesity becomes increasingly crucial.
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The research findings can be found in Blood Advances.
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