Active Lifestyle Reduces Risk of Obesity-Related Cancers: New Study

Strategic Insights -

A recent study from the University of Navarra in Spain has found that an active lifestyle, combined with reduced sedentary behavior, can significantly decrease the risk of developing obesity-related cancers (ORCs). The study followed a cohort of Spanish university graduates from 1999 to 2022, collecting data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, and lifestyle factors through biennial questionnaires. The researchers discovered that a higher adherence to an active lifestyle score, which takes into account physical and sedentary activities, nearly halved the risk of ORCs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study followed a cohort of 21,454 Spanish university graduates from 1999 to 2022, with biennial questionnaires collecting data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, and lifestyle factors.
  • The researchers used a previously validated questionnaire to assess physical and sedentary activities, estimating an eight-item active lifestyle score.
  • Higher adherence to the active lifestyle score nearly halved the risk of ORCs, with a hazard ratio of 0.45 (95% CI 0.27-0.73) compared to low adherence.
  • A higher active lifestyle score was associated with a decreased risk of ORCs, with a hazard ratio of 0.88 (95% CI 0.81-0.95) per +1-point increase in the score.
  • No significant association was observed between television watching and ORCs risk.
  • The study's findings may aid public health organizations in refining recommendations in ORC prevention to include interventions focused on combining increased physical activity and lowered sedentary behavior.

Statistics:

  • 21,454 participants were followed in the study.
  • The study spanned 23 years, from 1999 to 2022.
  • The active lifestyle score was estimated based on an eight-item questionnaire.
  • A higher inactive lifestyle score was associated with a significantly increased risk of ORCs.
  • The hazard ratio for ORCs risk per +1-point increase in the score was 0.88 (95% CI 0.81-0.95).

Sources:

  • Association between an active lifestyle and reduced incidence of obesity-related cancers in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra cohort. Preventive Medicine, 2025;199:108386.
  • University of Navarra. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Pamplona, Spain.