It’s Important to Understand the ‘Strong Link Between Obesity and Cancer’
Weight management is sometimes framed in terms of appearance. In cancer prevention and survivorship, maintaining a healthy weight can be a positive step toward reducing risk, supporting recovery and improving long-term health, according to oncology experts at ThedaCare.
“Weight wellness is one of the most powerful modifiable factors that affects both cancer risk and outcomes,” said Demytra Mihailidis, MD, an oncologist and hematologist with ThedaCare Cancer Care. “Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, lower the odds of developing a second cancer, improve quality of life and decrease the risk of other serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease.”
Dr. Mihailidis
National Cancer Institute research links excess body weight to an increased risk of at least 13 cancers. These include postmenopausal breast, prostate, colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic, esophageal, uterine, head and neck and gallbladder cancers.
Obesity contributes to chronic inflammation, hormone imbalances and metabolic changes that can encourage cancer development and growth. Excess fat tissue may increase levels of estrogen and insulin, both of which are associated with certain cancers.
“People often recognize obesity increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease but fewer are aware of the strong link between obesity and cancer,” Dr. Mihailidis said. “Part of our role as medical specialists is educating people that excess body weight is a modifiable risk factor. We can empower them to make sustainable lifestyle changes.”
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Betsy Winnekens, APNP, is a nurse practitioner with ThedaCare Weight Wellness Solutions. She helps people attain and maintain a healthy weight.
“Our focus is more than weight loss,” she said. “We’re working to improve metabolic health, preserve lean muscle mass, reduce chronic inflammation, support physical function and enhance long-term quality of life.”
Studies have shown the greater the weight gain, the greater the cancer risk.
“Childhood obesity also has been shown to be related to higher mortality risk with cancer in adulthood,” Winnekens said. “This may be part of what we are seeing more today as childhood obesity continues to rise.”
For cancer survivors, weight wellness becomes an important part of recovery and ongoing health. Many cancer treatments can contribute to fatigue, muscle loss, decreased physical function and metabolic changes.
“Weight wellness helps restore a sense of control,” Winnekens said. “Many cancer survivors gain confidence as they improve their strength, energy and physical health.”
In addition, research suggests maintaining a healthy body composition and staying physically active may help reduce recurrence risk for some cancers, particularly breast and colorectal cancers. Weight wellness strategies also may help address treatment-related side effects and reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
One of the most encouraging messages is that meaningful health benefits come with losing as little as 5% to 10% of body weight.
“I often tell patients they do not need to reach an ideal weight to see health improvements,” Dr. Mihailidis said. “For someone who weighs 200 pounds, losing just 10 to 20 pounds may help improve insulin resistance, decrease inflammatory markers, lower circulating estrogen levels, increase energy and improve long-term outcomes.”
A Team Approach to Better Health
The multidisciplinary team within ThedaCare Weight Wellness Solutions includes physicians, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, exercise physiologists and behavioral health professionals. They work closely with oncology and primary care teams to support individuals’ needs.
For some people, additional options such as obesity medications or bariatric surgery may be appropriate as part of a comprehensive care plan.
“Whether you’re focused on prevention, undergoing treatment or navigating life after cancer, weight wellness remains crucial,” Dr. Mihailidis said. “It’s also important to note that small, sustainable changes may matter far more than dramatic short-term weight loss in supporting a healthier future.”
Visit ThedaCare Weight Solutions for more information on non-surgical and surgical weight loss treatment options.
About ThedaCare
For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive healthcare system.
Date posted: July 6, 2026