Burden of cancer attributable to high body mass index: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Abstract

Background

High body mass index (BMI) is a well-established cancer risk factor. Reliable, updated data are essential for guiding public health policies and designing effective interventions to reduce the cancer burden associated with high BMI.

Methods

Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 on cancer burden attributable to high BMI were analysed globally, stratified by sex, age, geographic region, cancer type, and socio-demographic index (SDI). Temporal trends in age-standardized rates from 1990 to 2021 were evaluated using estimated annual percentage changes.

Results

In 2021, cancer attributable to high BMI resulted in 356.74 thousand deaths (95% uncertainty interval: 146.12–581.01) and 8.89 million (3.75–14.38) Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), with females bearing the largest burden. From 1990 to 2021, age-standardized rates of high BMI-related cancer deaths increased by 0.35% annually, while DALYs rose by 0.42% annually. In 2021, the burden of cancer deaths and DALYs attributable to high BMI varied considerably across geographical regions. Low-middle SDI regions experienced the largest increases in death and DALY rates attributable to high BMI, while these rates declined in high SDI regions. Colon and rectum cancers accounted for the greatest number of deaths and DALYs, while pancreatic cancer showed the most rapid growth in attributable burden.

Conclusions

High BMI is a major contributor to the global cancer burden, with significant variation by sex, cancer type, region, and SDI level. Targeted public health strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the growing impact of overweight and obesity on cancer.