Excess weight around the abdomen, commonly known as a beer belly, has been flagged as a significant factor in cancer risk, according to a large-scale study. The research, which utilised data from the UK Biobank, highlighted that individuals exceeding the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for waist circumference face an 11 per cent higher risk of developing cancer, even if they maintain an active lifestyle.
The study of 316,000 people in the UK has highlighted the significant role of exercise and waist size in cancer risk, revealing that inactivity and abdominal fat can sharply increase the likelihood of developing the disease, the Mirror reports.
Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the research conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) found that individuals with large waistlines who engage in minimal physical activity face a 15 per cent higher risk of cancer. Even those who are “abdominally lean” but inactive are not exempt, with a 4 per cent increased risk linked to insufficient exercise.
Dr Helen Croker, WCRF assistant research director, said: “Maintaining a healthy weight and in particular, having a waist circumference within the recommended level and being physically active, along with eating a healthy diet, are all crucial steps to reduce cancer risk.
“People can start by making small, sustainable changes like incorporating regular movement into daily routines or choosing healthier food options. These gradual adjustments can add up to a big difference over time.”
The study conducted by the WCRF has observed the relationship between waist circumference, physical activity, and cancer risk. Participants were evaluated based on their adherence to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, which recommend waist measurements under 88cm (35 inches) for women and under 102cm (40 inches) for men.
The WHO also suggests 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, or a combination of the two.
Moderate activities include brisk walking at 4mph or faster, heavy cleaning tasks like fast mopping or washing windows, cycling at 10 to 12mph, and playing badminton. Vigorous activities include hiking, jogging at 6mph or faster, shoveling, fast cycling, and sports such as football, basketball, or tennis.
During an average follow-up period of 11 years, almost 30,000 out of the 316,000 study participants were diagnosed with cancer. Principal Investigator Prof Michael Leitzmann, of the German Research Foundation, said: “We’re excited about the insights we’ve uncovered regarding the interplay between waist circumference and physical activity in reducing cancer risk.
“Our findings highlight the value of addressing multiple factors together, showing that both maintaining a recommended waist size and being physically active are critical for cancer prevention. This research reinforces the importance of practical, achievable lifestyle changes that can have a meaningful impact on health over time.”
A World Health Organisation (WHO) report has highlighted the heightened risk of metabolic complications, including type 2 diabetes, linked to larger waist circumferences. According to the findings, women with a waistline exceeding 80 cm (31 inches) and men with measurements over 94 cm (37 inches) face an increased likelihood of such health issues.
The report also noted that the risk becomes “substantial” when waist sizes exceed 88 cm (35 inches) for women and 102 cm (40 inches) for men.
How To Measure Your Waistline
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has outlined precise guidelines for measuring waist circumference to ensure accuracy. According to its protocol, the tape measure should be positioned around the body parallel to the floor, located midway between the hip bone and the lowest rib, typically near the belly button.
The tape should be “snug around the body, but not pulled so tight that it is constricting”. The posture of the individual being measured plays a crucial role in obtaining an accurate waist circumference, according to the protocol.
The guidelines recommend that the subject stands with arms at their sides, feet close together, and weight evenly distributed across both feet. The measurement should be taken immediately after an exhale.
A potential complication highlighted in the protocol is the tendency of some individuals to breathe in just before the measurement, which can result in a smaller and less accurate reading.
To address this, the WHO says “a relaxed posture is best for taking waist measurements” and recommends taking a few deep, natural breaths before the measurement is taken.
Dr Croker added: “This is a particularly noteworthy study as it is the first to examine the independent and combined impact of waist circumference and physical activity levels. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic lifestyle approach instead of focussing on a single factor to reduce cancer risk.”
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