Towards Better Understanding of the Complex Obesity Cancer Link

Abstract

Obesity is presently one of the major health concerns worldwide, associated with multiple metabolic abnormalities and cardiometabolic diseases. Obesity is also playing a significant role in cancer development and pathogenesis, affecting not only health and quality of life of cancer patients, but also mortality. Additionally, it is a social and economic burden in developed and in developing countries. The potential biological mechanisms linking obesity to cancer development, progression and mortality are not well understood and are still a big challenge. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to clarify some underlying pathological mechanisms linking obesity and cancer, including energy imbalance, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. The role of inositol, inositol phosphates and inositol compounds against both obesity and cancer are highlighted in this report. Better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the complex obesity-cancer link is needed, not only to prevent both diseases and to propose dietary strategies and interventions for effective weight management, but also for developing potential therapeutics and pharmacological agents targeting weight loss.