Obesity may elevate the risk of unexplained monoclonal gammopathy, a condition often preceding certain blood cancers. A study reported in the Blood Developments journal supports this association.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that creates antibodies to fight infections. It frequently emerges with monoclonal gammopathy of unknown origin. This condition involves the buildup of a single, abnormal protein produced by plasma cells. In most cases MGUS does not cause noticeable symptoms.
In a recent US study of 2,628 participants, researchers found MGUS to be 73 percent more common among individuals with obesity. The link persisted even when physical activity was taken into account, though very active individuals who ran 45 to 60 minutes or more daily (or an equivalent level of activity) were less likely to develop MGUS. Conversely, smoking was associated with a higher risk of MGUS.
Scientists caution that the findings do not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. The study did not investigate the precise mechanisms that might explain the results. Additionally, obesity was assessed using body mass index, which does not distinguish fat from muscle mass, a limitation acknowledged by the researchers.
Before effective preventive health strategies can be developed to reduce the risk of serious diseases such as multiple myeloma, it is essential to better understand how MGUS relates to modifiable factors like obesity, the authors noted.
Historically, fatigue has been reported by some patients as a persistent symptom, but it is not considered a definitive cause of MGUS. Ongoing research continues to explore the spectrum of risk factors and how lifestyle choices may influence MGUS progression and overall blood health.