Association between Obesity and Melanoma Risk in an Asian Population: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Previous studies from mostly Western populations have suggested possible associations between obesity and melanoma risk. This study aimed to investigate associations between obesity status and melanoma using a nationwide cohort of Koreans.

A total of 4,441,403 adults who received a national health examination in 2012 were included from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, and followed until December 31, 2022. Obesity status was defined based on the body mass index at the baseline health examination. Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to evaluate associations between obesity status and incident melanoma, with adjustment for confounders. Stratified analyses were performed by sex and menopausal status (in women).

Overall, melanoma risk increased according to obesity status (p for trend=0.024); adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for melanoma risk were 0.766 (0.438-1.340) in underweight; 1.292 (1.072-1.557) in overweight; 1.202 (1.002-1.442) in obesity; and 1.191 (0.798-1.778) in severe obesity compared to normal weight (reference). In stratified analyses, similar trends to those of the overall study population were observed among men and premenopausal women (p for trend=0.052 in men and 0.036 in premenopausal women). Among premenopausal women, the risk of melanoma increased linearly with obesity status. Meanwhile, among postmenopausal women, melanoma risk showed no significant difference or trend according to obesity status.

Overweight and obesity were associated with increased risk of melanoma in a population-based cohort of Koreans. Obese individuals, especially men and premenopausal women, may require more thorough prevention and screening strategies for melanoma.