A recent research project undertaken by Cancer Research UK shows that many people have little knowledge of the increased chances of cancer that can accrue from being obese. The survey that was carried out in Yorkshire showed that people felt that looking attractive was a more important reason for losing weight than reducing the chances of cancer. Cancer Research UK says that the survey results clearly show that there is a lack of information and knowledge when it comes to the effect of obesity on the body and especially in relation to cancer.

It was seen that 40% of people in Yorkshire thought that looking attractive was an advantage of being slim and having a good BMI whereas only 32% said that they felt that being slim would signify a reduced chance of getting cancer. However on the positive side nearly 70% said that they realised that staying slim would reduce the liklihood of getting heart disease.

Obesity is one of the most relevant preventable reasons for cancer in people who don't smoke and is also responsible for a increased risk of bowel cancer, stomach cancer, oesophageal cancer and kidney cancer. In women obesity increases the chances of womb and breast cancer especially post menopause. The directors of Cancer Research UK felt that more information should be given to the general public regarding the risk of suffering from cancer due to obesity and possibly an information campaign should be set up. Almost everyone in the UK is aware of the connection between smoking and cancer but not between obesity and cancer and this is worrying.