A recent study has revealed that maintaining a healthy weight throughout life could significantly reduce the risk of developing kidney cancer, particularly renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
The research, part of the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, followed 204,364 adults and tracked their weight patterns over time. Among the participants, 1,425 developed kidney cancer, with 583 diagnosed with aggressive forms of RCC and 339 cases classified as fatal.
Researchers examined various subtypes of RCC, including clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe RCC, and found that individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) at any age were more likely to develop RCC compared to those with a lower BMI.
The study also highlighted that reducing one’s BMI by up to 10% could help prevent the onset of RCC. According to Zhengyi Deng, the study’s lead author, these findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy weight across one’s lifetime. He further noted that even weight loss later in life could provide protective benefits against kidney cancer.
Deng emphasized the need to support initiatives aimed at promoting healthy weight maintenance and weight loss strategies, such as lifestyle changes, weight loss programs, and emerging medical treatments for obesity. However, he advised individuals to consult healthcare providers before starting any weight management plan.
This study adds to growing evidence that lifestyle factors, including weight management, play a crucial role in cancer prevention.
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