Health experts are urging obese women to adopt healthier lifestyles, following research suggesting they have a 40 per cent greater risk of weight-related cancer.

The Cancer Research UK figures prompted calls to tackle obesity – through steps such as healthier eating and physical activity – and in turn reduce the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including bowel and post-menopausal breast. Northern Ireland, where more than a fifth of women are reportedly obese, was identified by the charity as being particularly under threat.

But a range of simple lifestyle changes are all it takes to make a difference, according to Julie Sharp, head of health information at Cancer Research UK.

“Lifestyle changes, like not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and cutting back on alcohol – are the big opportunities for us all to personally reduce our cancer risk," she said.

“Making these changes is not a guarantee against cancer, but it stacks the odds in our favour.”

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