Episode 198: The Link Between Cancer and Obesity

Have you ever wondered how obesity can raise the risk for certain cancers? Today’s episode breaks down the real connection in a simple, honest way — and why it matters for your health and future.

In this episode, I talk about how excess body weight can lead to chronic inflammation, raise hormone levels like estrogen and insulin, and create an environment where cancer cells can grow more easily. I explain how obesity is linked to at least 13 types of cancers, including breast, colon, and liver cancers. We also discuss the critical role of preventive screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, especially for those with a higher risk. I share why knowing your family history is important and why many people with obesity miss out on necessary tests because of weight stigma and bias in healthcare. We cover real-life challenges, like how medical equipment isn’t always designed for larger bodies, and how that creates serious barriers. I also dive into hopeful news about how weight loss, medications like metformin, orlistat, and GLP-1 receptor agonists can help lower cancer risks. Throughout the conversation, I emphasize that compassionate, respectful care is a right, not a privilege.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to advocate for yourself, find the right doctors, and take powerful steps toward protecting your health. You are worthy of good care at every stage of your journey.

 

Episode Highlights:

• How obesity leads to chronic inflammation and raises hormone levels linked to cancer

• The connection between obesity and at least 13 types of cancer

• The importance of early cancer screenings and knowing your family medical history

• How weight stigma and bias affect access to healthcare and screenings

• The physical barriers larger patients face in medical settings

• How weight loss can lower cancer risk and improve overall health

• The role of medications like metformin, orlistat, and GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing cancer risk

• Encouragement to seek compassionate, weight-inclusive healthcare

• Practical steps for patients to advocate for respectful and appropriate care

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, “Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

 

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click