New European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Position Statement on medical nutrition therapy for the management of individuals with overweight or obesity and cancer

New European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Position Statement on medical nutrition therapy for the management of individuals with overweight or obesity and cancer

EASO is pleased to share the new European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Position Statement on medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in obesity and cancer. The new guidance states that despite promising results, current evidence on these dietary approaches in cancer management for people with overweight or obesity is limited and inconsistent, stressing the need for personalised dietary plans.

Commenting on the new guidelines, lead author Giovanna Muscogiuri said: “Obesity has been linked to several common cancers including breast, colorectal, oesophageal, kidney, gallbladder, uterine, pancreatic, and liver cancer; 4–8% of all cancers are attributed to obesity. Excess body fat results in an approximately 17% increased risk of cancer-specific mortality. Obesity may also increase treatment-related adverse effects and influence treatment decisions regarding specific types of cancer therapy ”. With this in mind, the EASO Nutrition Working Group has developed nutritional strategies to be used in patients with obesity and cancer, since managing obesity appropriately may improve the efficacy of cancer treatment. In addition, people with obesity and cancer may also develop micronutrient deficiencies that can make the body more vulnerable to the side effects of chemotherapy. Finally, nutritional strategies can be adopted to help prevent cancer in obesity management settings”

Read the full publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39433024/