Energy Balance and Cancer: Understanding the Connection and Implications for Health

Maintaining a balanced energy level is crucial for metabolic processes, and any deviations from this balance, known as energy imbalance, can lead to various ailments such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Energy balance is achieved by ensuring that the intake and expenditure of energy through nutrition and metabolism are equal. Positive energy balance leads to the development of obesity whereas the negative energy balance causes reduced body weight in chemotherapy patients. There is strong evidence to suggest that several factors related to energy balance can significantly impact the development and treatment of cancer. This chapter aims to explore the mechanisms by which energy balance affects cancer progression and development. It will also discuss different interventions that can be used to maintain a healthy energy balance and reduce the risk of cancer. These interventions will include dietary modifications, such as calorie restriction, as well as physical activity. Furthermore, the chapter will evaluate the potential benefits of surgical interventions for cancer prevention and treatment. Finally, the need for further research to gain a better understanding of the intricate relationship between energy balance and cancer, as well as the development of more effective cancer prevention and treatment strategies, will also be highlighted.