Weight gain over 10 kg since age 20

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2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Weight gain over 10 kg since age 20 – Breast Cancer

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Weight gain exceeding 10 kg since age 20 raises postmenopausal breast cancer risk by 42%

A large European cohort study tracking 150,257 women over 14 years found that gaining more than 10 kg from age 20 increased postmenopausal breast cancer risk by 42% in women who were lean at baseline (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22–1.65). This elevated risk persisted regardless of hormone replacement therapy use, with a 40% increase in never-users (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.16–1.68) and a 23% increase in ever-users (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04–1.44). Hormone-receptor-positive (ER+PR+) breast cancer showed an even stronger association (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.15–1.85). Maintaining weight within 10 kg of early-adult weight represents a modifiable factor for reducing postmenopausal breast cancer risk.

Evidence

Long-term weight change and risk of breast cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study

Authors: Additional Authors, Christakoudi, S, Dossus, L, Ellingjord-Dale, M, Ferrari, P, Gram, IT, Gunter, M, Heath, AK, Kaaks, R, Key, T, Masala, G, Olsen, A, Panico, S, Riboli, E, Rosendahl, AH, Schulze, MB, Skeie, G, Sund, M, Tjønneland, A, Tsilidis, KK, Weiderpass, E

Published: February 19, 2021

Among 150,257 women in the EPIC cohort followed for a mean of 14 years, weight gain >10 kg from age 20 was associated with a 42% increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in women lean at age 20 (HR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.22–1.65). This association held regardless of HRT use: HR = 1.40 (95% CI: 1.16–1.68) in never HRT users and HR = 1.23 (95% CI: 1.04–1.44) in ever HRT users. The risk was particularly pronounced for hormone-receptor-positive (ER+PR+) breast cancer (HR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.15–1.85).

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Long-term weight change and risk of breast cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study

Authors: Christakoudi, Sofia,, Dossus, Laure,, Ellingjord-Dale, Merete,, et al., Ferrari, Pietro,, Gram, Inger T,, Gunter, Marc,, Heath, Alicia K,, Kaaks, Rudolf,, Key, Tim,, Lund University., Lund University., Masala, Giovanna,, Olsen, Anja,, Panico, Salvatore,, Riboli, Elio,, Rosendahl, Ann H,, Schulze, Matthias B,, Skeie, Guri,, Sund, Malin,, Tjønneland, Anne,, Tsilidis, Konstantinos K,, Weiderpass, Elisabete,

Published: January 1, 2021

Among 150,257 women in the EPIC study followed over 14 years, long-term weight gain exceeding 10 kg from age 20 was associated with a 42% increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in women who were lean at age 20 (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22–1.65). This elevated risk was observed in both HRT ever users (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04–1.44) and never users (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.16–1.68), and was particularly pronounced for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.15–1.85).

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