A new research reveals that excess body fat, especially around the waist, increases the risk for six types of cancer.
The report released on Wednesday by two leading cancer research groups reviewed more than 7,000 studies published worldwide and found a convincing connection between excess fat and cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum, endometrium and kidney, along with breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
''The recommendation reflects what science is telling us today: Even small amounts of excess body fat, especially if carried at the waist, increase risk,'' chairman of the London-based International Obesity Task Force W Philip T James and one of the researchers of the report said.
A joint work by the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund says that increased body fat, particularly in the abdominal area, affects levels of hormones and growth factors, which can influence the development of cancer cells adding that obesity is characterised by ''a low-grade chronic inflammatory state'' in the body that can promote cancer.
The report also calls on people to ''be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight'' as determined by the World Health Organisation or national governments, and avoid gaining extra weight during adulthood especially around the waist.
In order to avoid the risk of cancer, the report suggests healthy diet consisting of more fruits and vegetables.
''People who eat various forms of vegetarian diets are at low risk of some diseases, including some cancers,'' Los Angeles times reported quoting recommendations of the research.
The research also recommends limited consumption of red meat and alcohol.
''Alcoholic beverages are a factor in cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon and liver, '' the report says, urging that consumption be limited to two drinks a day for men and one for women.
According to the report once an individual reaches the 18-ounce weekly limit for red meat, every additional 1.7 ounces consumed a day increases cancer risk by 15 per cent.
Every 1.7 ounces of processed meat consumed a day increases cancer risk by 21 per cent, it added.