Researchers in the US have suggested that excess body fat is the cause of over 100,000 types of cancers reaffirming the message that people should maintain a normal body weight and be physically active.

Obesity and being overweight leads to an increases in hormones disrupting the body’s insulin process which leads to a higher risk of developing cancer. Excess body weight also creates low-grade inflammation which is also found to play a role in cancer.

Researchers from the American Institute for Cancer Research say that gaining weight after being diagnosed with cancer can also affect the outcome.

“An increasing number of studies suggest that regular physical activity improves cancer survival, even among survivors who are overweight or obese,” they said.

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