Examining the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer.

Affecting over 30% of the population, obesity is an epidemic in the United States and is associated with multiple chronic medical problems. Obesity is also associated with numerous hormonal changes, many of which have been implicated in prostate cancer development and progression. Although, on the whole, controversy exists over whether obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer, data strongly suggest that obesity is a significant risk factor for prostate cancer death. In this review, we discuss the epidemiologic data surrounding obesity and prostate cancer. We also discuss some of the sequelae of obesity and their relationships with prostate cancer, including alterations in insulin, the insulin-like growth factor axis, and leptin levels; insulin resistance; and diabetes. Although a complete overview of all the various dietary and lifestyle factors that are associated with obesity and prostate cancer risk is beyond the scope of this review, we discuss data concerning the relationship between a high-fat diet and prostate cancer.