BMI (Body Mass Index) and Cancer

Keep a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of developing cancer. One out of six cancer cases could have been avoided, if the whole population had a healthy body weight.

Overweight causes cancer in 14-20% of the cases

This conclusion is made by researchers from American Cancer Society, who have studied the correlation between body weight and cancer. The research team believes that being overweight is to blame for 20 percent of the cases of cancer in women and 14 percent in men. This conclusion is based on observation of 900.000 people that you followed for 16 years.

High BMI increases risk of cancer

People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 25, have a higher risk of developing cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, kidney, esophagus, gallbladder, cervix (neck of the uterus), ovary, pancreas, liver, stomach and prostate.

What is a normal BMI?

Normal values for BMI are 18.5-25. The Body Mass Index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight on adults. Remember that BMI is not accurate and can be misleading if a person is very tall, muscular, a child or adolescent. We are all built differently which is not considered by the BMI, but the BMI can give you a good sense of direction whether you have a healthy body weight or not.

Use the free BMI calculator to calculate your Body Mass Index.