Obesity is widely associated with numerous health problems, including heart disease and diabetes, but its potential link to cancer—especially ovarian cancer—is drawing increasing attention. As obesity rates climb worldwide, scientists and medical experts are intensifying their efforts to determine whether excess body weight may heighten a woman’s likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.
To highlight this critical concern, Dr Ritu Dave, a cancer specialist at M|O|C Cancer Care in Pune, discusses with TBC Lifestyle the newest research, major risk factors, and actionable measures women can adopt to remain vigilant about their ovarian health.
How obesity raises the risk of ovarian cancer
Carrying too much body fat does more than increase your weight; it alters how your body works. Obesity can trigger hormonal disruptions, ongoing inflammation, and insulin resistance, together creating conditions in which cancer cells are more likely to grow, explains Dr Ritu.
A growing body of medical evidence connects obesity and metabolic disorders to an elevated risk of gynaecological cancers, including ovarian cancer. A recent study led by the Indian Council of Medical Research, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research on October 10, 2025, reported that women with metabolic syndrome face nearly triple the risk of developing ovarian cancer compared with women who do not have the condition.
Metabolic syndrome (MeS) refers to a group of conditions—including elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat—that collectively increase the likelihood of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. The study further emphasizes the robustness of this link and highlights the critical need for preventive strategies.
Worldwide, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the association between metabolic syndrome and gynecological cancers. For instance, a systematic review published in Frontiers in Endocrinology evaluated evidence on metabolic syndrome and the risk of ovarian cancer, highlighting the biological plausibility of this relationship despite variability in findings across individual studies.
Fat tissue is active rather than inert; it releases hormones and inflammatory substances that can promote cancer growth, Dr Dave explains. This is why managing body weight is about more than fitness alone—it also plays a key role in lowering long-term cancer risk.
What steps can women take to lower their chances of developing ovarian cancer?
Despite growing evidence, public awareness of ovarian cancer and its risk factors remains low in India. An ICMR study found that only around 28 per cent of women knew about ovarian cancer and its associated risks, such as obesity. This lack of awareness frequently results in delayed diagnosis, with many cases identified only at advanced stages, when symptoms are non-specific and screening options are limited.
“Early detection is crucial, but women must first understand the factors that put them at risk,” Dr Dave says. “Obesity is a risk factor that can be changed, and tackling it early can alter the course of a woman’s health.”
The encouraging reality is that risk can be lowered. Early lifestyle changes—such as keeping a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet—are key to prevention. “Obesity doesn’t have to define a person’s future,” Dr Dave explains. “Straightforward measures like daily physical activity, mindful eating, and effective stress management can greatly reduce a woman’s chances of developing ovarian cancer as well as other major illnesses.”
In rapidly expanding cities, focusing on weight management is becoming less about looks and more about safeguarding long-term health and reducing cancer risk.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.