Linking obesity with colorectal polyp risk

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Obesity is known to increase the risk of colon cancer, and most colorectal cancers develop from adenomatous polyps. However, the effects of obesity on colonic polyp formation are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if BMI was associated with advanced colon polyps in males. 126 men (48 – 65 yr) were recruited at time of first colonoscopy, and anthropometric measures were collected. Odds ratios were determined using logistic regression for polyp number (0 or ≥ 3) and polytomous logistic regression for polyp severity (no polyp, hyperplastic polyp, tubular adenoma). 41% of the men in our study were obese (BMI ≥ 30). Obese participants were 6.8 (CI: 1.4 – 34.6) times more likely than those who were lean (BMI < 25) to have ≥ 3 polyps than no polyps. For each category increase in BMI (lean, overweight, obese), an individual was 2.5 (CI: 1.2 – 5.4) times more likely to have ≥ 3 polyps than no polyps. Additionally, relative to lean individuals, obese individuals were 7.7 (CI: 2.0 – 29.7) times more likely to have a tubular adenoma then no polyp. As BMI category increased, participants were 2.8 (CI: 1.5 – 5.2) times more likely to have a tubular adenoma than no polyps. Due to the increased number and severity of polyps, earlier screening for polyps in obese individuals may be warranted.Grant Funding Source: NCI 1R03CA142000 and MSU CTSI