Obesity Linked to Cancers

Researchers have identified a powerful link between being overweight and the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Strong links were discovered between obesity and cancer of the esophagus in men and women, and uterine endometrial and gallbladder cancers in women, reports WebMD. Researchers also found modest connections between obesity and colon cancer in men, some breast cancer in women, and blood cancers for both, according to the study published in the Lancet.

Awareness isn't likely to quickly translate into action for America's obese population. "If people could lose weight easily they would," said an epidemiologist. "There are many, many things in our social and physical environment that make it easy to gain weight. Food is everywhere, and physical activity is no longer built into our daily lives." (More cancer stories.)