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Discovering the causes of cancer and the means of prevention

Energy Balance and Obesity

Energy balance — the difference between dietary energy intake and energy expended through physical activity and resting metabolism — has been implicated in a host of diseases, including cancer. This is an area of research of great significance, since two-thirds of the adult U.S. population and at least one-half of the population of many other developed countries are now overweight or obese.

DCEG’s research portfolio includes studies that focus on different aspects of energy balance, including the effects of body mass index (BMI), dietary intake, and physical activity on various malignancies. Longitudinal cohorts, case-control studies, and dietary assessment methodological studies provide valuable data to DCEG researchers.  Data include dietary intake, physical activity, and anthropometric characteristics, such as waist circumference. 

Search for DCEG publications on energy balance, obesity, and BMI.

A variety of studies are being conducted among the following cohorts:

NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study
Shanghai Women’s Health Study
NCI Cohort Consortium