Young-onset obesity and determinants of cancer prevalence
Main Applicant – Professor Yusuf Ali, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

This study aims to investigate the link between obesity in younger individuals and their risk of developing cancer later in life.

Obesity, especially starting from childhood and young adulthood, is a growing public health concern worldwide and may increase the chances of obesity-related cancers. However, most prior research has focused on Western populations.

This study will look specifically at Asian populations in Singapore to help address this knowledge gap. Key factors that may influence this obesity-cancer relationship will be examined, such as inflammatory diet patterns, ethnicity, sex, medications, and weight-loss surgery.

A better understanding of these determinants is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies and interventions tailored for at-risk obese youth to mitigate their long-term cancer risks.