Malignant brain tumors are very difficult to combat and, in most cases, doctors do not know the causes that have motivated them, also due to the fact that there are more than 120 varieties. Now, a new study developed by the University of Regensburg (Germany) suggests that both being overweight and obese can contribute to the development of some types of brain tumors.
The scientists focused on two varieties of primary tumors, gliomas (which account for 33% of tumors) and meningiomas (30%), the most common among adults. In 85% of cases, both are usually benign. However, the remaining 15% are malignant and fast-growing, with metastases to the brain.
The team of researchers carried out a meta-analysis of 18 studies related to this topic, focusing their attention on a total of 6,039 cases (with individual brain tumors, 2,982 cases of meningioma and 3,057 cases of glioma) where they compared the body mass index (BMI) and physical activity of all patients. The results were revealing: overweight people (BMI 25-29.9) were 21% more likely to develop a meningioma; obese people (with a BMI of 30 or more) had a 54% higher risk of developing this brain tumor , compared to people of normal body weight (with a BMI below 24.9).
Regarding physical activity, those who did more exercise were 27% less likely to have a meningioma than those who did little physical activity. As for gliomas, experts found no relationship between excess weight and increased risk.
” Given the high prevalence of obesity and the unfavorable prognosis for this type of tumor, these results may be relevant for strategies aimed at reducing the risk of meningioma,” explains Gundula Behrens, leader of the work.
The study has been published in the journal Neurology.
