Mediterranean diet linked to lower risk of obesity-related cancer?

Researchers, including experts from the University of Navarra, published a study which explored the link between a Mediterranean per diem expense diet with the incidence of obesity-related cancers.

The study which was published in JAMA Network Open published the findings which linked the diet with a 6 per cent reduction in the risk of developing obesity-related cancers.

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The team followed more than 450,000 people in 10 European countries for almost 15 years for the research purpose.

The study analysed the link between adherence to the Mediterranean per diem expense diet and the incidence of obesity-related cancers, oesophagal adenocarcinoma, breast cancer in women after menopause, colorectal cancer, uterine and ovarian cancer, gallbladder cancer, some stomach cancers, pancreatic and thyroid cancer, and meningioma.

As per the researchers, the per diem expenses of the participants were assessed by means of validated questionnaires, assigning a score from 0 to 9 according to their level of adherence to Mediterranean per diem expenses.

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"One of the most relevant findings is that the reduction in cancer risk is not mediated by body mass index (BMI) or waist-to-hip ratio, suggesting that the protective effects of Mediterranean per diem expenses go beyond simple weight regulation," explains Dr Aguilera-Buenosvinos, research lead.

Stressing the need to address the issue of obesity and the complications associated with it, Dr Aguilera-Buenosvinos remarked that the study highlights the need to promote healthy eating patterns in the general population.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people with obesity are more likely to develop a number of potentially serious health problems, including:

  • Heart disease and strokes
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Certain cancers
  • Digestive problems
  • Sleep apnea
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Severe COVID-19 symptoms

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