- Intentional weight loss—via surgery or lifestyle changes—linked to 44% lower endometrial cancer risk
- Study reviewed data from over 8.9 million women
- Target group: Women aged 18+ with BMI ≥30 and no history of EC
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics has shown that women who undergo intentional weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery, significantly reduce their risk of developing endometrial cancer.
The analysis spanned 12 qualified studies and involved over 307,000 women with obesity who had intentionally lost weight. These were compared to more than 8.6 million women in a control group.
Preventing Endometrial Cancer: The Power of Weight Loss in High-Risk Women
Endometrial cancer is among the most common gynecological malignancies, especially affecting postmenopausal women. A well-established risk factor is obesity, which promotes chronic inflammation and estrogen imbalances—both key drivers in endometrial cancer development. However, the degree to which weight loss can mitigate this risk has long been unclear.
This comprehensive review addresses that gap. Researchers conducted an extensive database search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, and Scielo to identify relevant studies. Only those focusing on women with BMI ≥30 and no prior endometrial cancer were included, ensuring consistent and meaningful comparisons.
The meta-analysis evaluated both lifestyle-based and surgical approaches to weight loss. While bariatric surgery showed particularly strong protective benefits, non-surgical methods—like structured diet and exercise programs—also produced significant reductions in EC risk, reinforcing the value of accessible, behavior-based interventions.
Public health policies and clinical guidelines may benefit from integrating these findings, particularly in countries where obesity rates are high. Encouraging intentional weight loss in high-risk groups could serve as a powerful preventive tool—not just for heart disease or diabetes—but also for certain cancers.
This study confirms that intentional weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes or surgery, is a powerful preventive measure against endometrial cancer—offering hope and actionable steps for millions of women worldwide.
“The greatest wealth is health.” — Virgil
