The global obesity rate has almost tripled since 1975. The World Health Organization reckons that worldwide 39% of adults are overweight, and 13% are obese.   Too much body fat increases a person’s chances of developing illnesses such as cancer. More than a dozen types of cancer are linked to excess body weight.   Usually, obesity results from inherited, physiological and environmental factors, combined with diet and physical activity choices. Fortunately, even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. Public health actions to support healthier lifestyles include education, advertising bans, and higher taxes on sugar and food labels. Dr Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) joins us for this episode of Let’s Talk Cancer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.