Obesity-Linked Metabolic Alterations as Drivers of Carcinogenesis

Abstract

Obesity has become a global health epidemic, and growing evidence suggests that it plays a significant role in the development and progression of various types of cancer. This paper explores the metabolic alterations associated with obesity that contribute to carcinogenesis, focusing on changes in adipose tissue, insulin resistance, inflammatory pathways, and altered hormone regulation. The accumulation of excess fat, particularly visceral fat, leads to chronic low-grade inflammation, dysregulated adipokine secretion, and enhanced growth factor signaling, all of which can promote tumor initiation and progression. Additionally, the paper discusses the impact of obesity on the tumor microenvironment, immune evasion, and angiogenesis. Understanding these obesity-linked metabolic alterations provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating cancer in obese individuals. The aim of this research is to underline the importance of addressing obesity as a modifiable risk factor in cancer prevention and to highlight the complex interplay between metabolic dysfunction and cancer biology