The Mediterranean diet has been hailed as one of the best forms of the diet. It supports heart health and has anti-cancer properties. Several studies have proved the effectiveness of the diet in women and elderly people, especially.

Recently, a study published in JAMA highlights how a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of obesity related cancers.

A total of 4,50,111 participants from European countries were studied for the research. The researchers found that "high adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a 6% lower risk of obesity-related cancers compared with low adherence." This prospective cohort study analyzed data from the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, which enrolled participants aged 35 to 70 years from 1992 to 2000 across 23 centers in 10 countries. The data analysis was conducted from March 1 to May 31, 2023.

What are obesity related cancers?
Obesity is an important global public health problem and has been attributed to elevated risks of many different cancers. A high level of body fat fuels chronic inflammation, hormonal disruptions, and metabolic disarray that all tend to increase the likelihood of cancer formation. The following list describes the most frequent cancers related to obesity.

1. Breast cancer: Obesity, especially postmenopausal women, are influenced by more body fat due to high estrogens' levels that, in turn, increase hormone-dependent breast cancer risks.

2. Colorectal cancer: Insulin resistance and heightened inflammation that accompany obesity are both known to promote the occurrence of colorectal cancer.

3. Endometrial cancer: Estrogen, produced by fat cells in amounts that are above normal, drives the lining of the uterus into hyperactivity, leading to an enormous increase in the risk for endometrial (uterine) cancer.

4. Esophageal cancer: GERD risk is heightened by obesity, and GERD has a direct correlation with esophageal adenocarcinoma occurrence.

5. Pancreatic cancer: Insulin resistance due to obesity and resulting chronic inflammation help drive the development of pancreatic cancer, which is one of the most lethal cancers caused by obesity.

6. Kidney cancer: Body fat impairs kidney function and hormonal status, thereby leading to a greater risk of renal cell carcinoma, the most frequent kidney cancer.

7. Liver cancer: Obesity may promote the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), increasing susceptibility to liver cancer.


8. Ovarian cancer: Obesity has been associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer, possibly through hormonal alterations and chronic inflammation.

How does a Mediterranean diet help?
The Mediterranean diet is linked with reduced central adiposity, lower BMI, and less weight gain. It is positively associated with metabolic and inflammatory markers, such as fasting blood glucose and C-reactive protein.

The Mediterranean diet takes its cue from the traditional cuisines of Mediterranean coastal countries, including Greece, Italy, and Spain. The diet focuses on whole, nutrient-rich foods that contribute to a general state of well-being and longevity. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as quinoa and brown rice, and healthy fats in the form of olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats, are part of this diet. Lean protein foods like fish, poultry, and legumes are preferred over red meat, with nuts and seeds adding fiber and necessary nutrients. Herbs and spices are widely utilized to flavor food, with less salt required. Not merely an eating regimen, the Mediterranean diet is a way of life that supports balance, variety, and sustainability. This diet, when followed, has long-term benefits to one's health and therefore ranks among the most advised diet regimes for well-being.