Redefining Obesity: Metabolic Health as a Predictor of Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women
Recent research highlights a nuanced approach to understanding obesity-related cancer risks in postmenopausal women, focusing beyond body mass index (BMI) to metabolic health markers. The study examined the relationship between metabolic dysfunction and the incidence of obesity-related cancers (ORCs), regardless of BMI. Findings suggest that women classified as metabolically unhealthy—whether overweight or of normal weight—are at a higher risk of developing ORCs compared to their metabolically healthy counterparts.
Metabolic health is determined using markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, fasting glucose, and inflammation indicators like high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). These indicators can provide a more accurate assessment of cancer risk than BMI alone. The research used a comprehensive follow-up of over two decades, reinforcing the significance of metabolic health in cancer prevention strategies.
This shift in focus from BMI to metabolic health underscores the need for healthcare strategies that encompass not just weight management but also metabolic health improvement to mitigate cancer risks. Such approaches could lead to more personalized and effective interventions in cancer prevention for postmenopausal women.
