Millennials are the most overweight generation since current records began, according to an analysis published today.
The Cancer Research UK research was carried out to launch a UK-wide campaign to increase awareness that obesity is a cause of cancer.
The charity warns that more than seven in 10 millennials (born between the early 1908s and mid 1990s) will be overweight or obese between the ages of 35-44.
This compares with about five out of 10 baby boomers – those born between 1945 and 1955 – who were overweight or obese at the same age.
Alison Cox, Cancer Research UK’s director of prevention, said being overweight or obese as an adult is linked to 13 different types of cancer including breast, bowel and kidney cancer.
However, only 15% of people in the UK are aware of the link between obesity and cancer.
“Being overweight is the UK’s biggest cause of cancer after smoking, but most people don’t know about this substantial risk,” she said.
“If more people become aware of the link it may help spare not just millennials, but all generations from cancer.”
She called on the Government to play its part in helping people to make healthy food choices, including a ban on junk food adverts before the 9pm watershed, which would help to protect young people from advertising tactics.
Professor Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK’s prevention expert, added: “Extra body fat doesn’t just sit there; it sends messages around the body that can cause damage to cells. This damage can build up over time and increase the risk of cancer in the same way that damage from smoking causes cancer.
“While these estimates sound bleak, we can stop them becoming a reality. Millennials are known for following seemingly healthy food trends, but nothing beats a balanced diet.
“Eating plenty of fruit, vegetables and other fibre-filled foods like wholegrains, and cutting down on junk food is the best way to keep a healthy weight.”
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