Obesity raise colorectal cancer risk by half more, study finds

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While genetics and age are well-known risk factors, growing evidence highlights a significant connection between obesity and colorectal cancer. Understanding this link is crucial in shaping effective prevention and early detection strategies.

Obesity is more than just excess weight; it's a complex metabolic condition affecting the body's hormonal and inflammatory environment. According to the World Health Organization, obesity has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975, with over 650 million adults classified as obese in 2023. This rising prevalence has a direct impact on colorectal cancer incidence.

Central Obesity and CRC Risk

A recent PubMed study reveals that obese individuals have a 30–50% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those with a healthy weight. Excess fat tissue produces inflammatory cytokines and alters insulin and growth factor levels, which can promote tumor growth in the colon and rectum.

Dr. Maria Thompson, a global expert in oncology and metabolic diseases, emphasizes, "Obesity creates a pro-inflammatory state that fosters the development of colorectal tumors, making weight management a critical component of cancer prevention."

Not all body fat is equal when it comes to cancer risk. New research highlights that central obesity—measured by waist-to-hip ratio or waist circumference—is a much stronger predictor of colorectal cancer than BMI alone. Another Jama Network 2025 mega-cohort research found that central obesity accounts for up to 25% of colorectal cancer cases in men.

Weight Management is Key

Preventing colorectal cancer linked to obesity starts with adopting a healthy lifestyle. US National Institutes of Health data demonstrate how dietary choices significantly impact this disease's risk.

High consumption of red and processed meats has been linked to an increased risk, while diets rich in dietary fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are associated with a reduced risk of developing it.  

Even modest weight loss can improve metabolic health and reduce inflammation, thereby decreasing the likelihood of cancer development.

Early Screening for Intervention

Early detection remains the most effective way to reduce colorectal cancer mortality. Screening can identify precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers when treatment is most successful. However, while effective, traditional screening methods like colonoscopy are invasive and often underutilized.

This is where COLOTECT®, a non-invasive stool DNA test developed by BGI Genomics, plays a transformative role. Recent clinical data demonstrate that this test offers higher sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer compared to the commonly used fecal immunochemical test (FIT). It detects multiple genetic and epigenetic markers associated with CRC, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis. COLOTECT®’s convenience and accuracy have the potential to increase screening participation, especially among populations reluctant to undergo invasive procedures.

Combating colorectal cancer linked to obesity requires a multifaceted approach. Public health initiatives must prioritize awareness of obesity's role in cancer risk and promote accessible early screening. Simultaneously, empowering individuals with knowledge and resources to adopt healthier lifestyles is essential.

With the World Health Organization projecting a staggering 77% increase in global cancer diagnoses by 2050, and while the global burden of obesity continues to rise, integrating genomic technologies with preventive health measures offers a promising path forward. By combining early detection with lifestyle interventions—and by paying close attention to central obesity—we can reduce the impact of colorectal cancer and improve outcomes for millions worldwide.

About COLOTECT®

COLOTECT® is a non-invasive fecal DNA test developed by BGI Genomics for detecting CRC and precancerous lesions. It uses multiplex methylation-specific PCR (MSP) technology to trace abnormal DNA-methylation biomarkers in CRC from stool samples. COLOTECT® has a sensitivity of 88% for detecting CRC, and a sensitivity of 46% for the early detection of advanced adenomas—both of which outperform conventional fecal tests.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Our services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.