Researchers at Sechenov University have identified a link between obesity and cancer, placing patients with this chronic condition lasting more than 10 years in a high-risk group, the university reported.

“Based on observations of 2,000 patients, we identified the group at highest risk of developing cancer. It includes patients with signs of abdominal obesity lasting more than 10 years, who have a combination of two or more components of metabolic syndrome, a family history of disease, lack of control over blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, and no regular drug therapy for other conditions,” said Mikhail Osadchuk, Head of the Department of Outpatient Therapy at the university.

The university added that the likelihood of developing cancer is more pronounced among individuals who are overweight or have class I obesity combined with uncontrolled high blood pressure, disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and low adherence to treatment, according to RIA Novosti.

“At the same time, individuals with class II and III obesity who successfully control their chronic conditions (such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and coronary heart disease) and key metabolic parameters (glucose, cholesterol, and uric acid), and who show high adherence to antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and glucose-lowering medications, demonstrate a lower incidence of cancer,” explained Inna Vasilyeva, Associate Professor at the Department of Outpatient Therapy.