People with obesity may have an increased risk of several types of cancer, including cancers of the breast (in women who have been through menopause), colon, rectum, endometrium (lining of the uterus), esophagus, kidney, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Conversely, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, and keeping a healthy weight may help reduce risk of some cancers. These healthy behaviors are also important to lessen the risk of other illnesses, such as heart disease, type II diabetes, and high blood pressure.
For more information, see the Obesity and Cancer and Physical Activity and Cancer fact sheets.
For more information on keeping a healthy weight, see the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Overweight and Obesity.