Obesity & Metabolic Factors Linked to Increased Risk of Precancerous Polyps, Study Finds
Sydney, Australia – February 17, 2026 – A fresh analysis of multiple studies has revealed a significant link between metabolic factors – including obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia – and an increased risk of developing precancerous polyps, potentially leading to colorectal cancer. The findings, published recently, underscore the necessitate to consider these factors when determining screening and surveillance recommendations.
The research, encompassing data from over 30,000 individuals across multiple countries including Australia, China, South Korea, and the United States, pooled results from 24 cohort, case-control, and randomized controlled studies. Researchers from Flinders University in Australia conducted a systematic review of publication databases up to January 2024.
The analysis found that individuals with dyslipidemia had a 36% increased odds of developing precancerous polyps. Obesity was associated with a 31% increased odds, while central obesity showed a 31% increase. Hypertension was linked to a 22% increased odds, and those with either obesity or overweight had an 18% increased risk. Metabolic syndrome was also associated with increased risk, with a hazard ratio of 1.24.
Specifically, elevated serum triglycerides – a component of dyslipidemia – were found to be a key driver of the association with precancerous polyp risk, showing a 39% increase in odds.
Interestingly, time-to-event analyses showed a stronger association between hypertension and precancerous polyp risk (a hazard ratio of 1.75) than obesity (hazard ratio of 1.09).
Australia currently recommends a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years for adults aged 45 to 75 with average risk for colorectal cancer, with more frequent surveillance colonoscopies for those with higher risk based on family or personal history. These findings suggest that metabolic factors may warrant consideration when tailoring screening intervals for individuals at above-average risk.
The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program has seen a reduction in overall colorectal cancer rates over the past 20 years, but there has been a concurrent rise in early-onset colorectal cancer, highlighting the need for continued research and refined prevention strategies.
