Plant-based diets and functional foods in mitigating obesity-related cancer risks

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by metabolic, and hormonal disturbances, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. It is strongly associated with major health problems, particularly type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The development of obesity-related cancers is driven by multiple mechanisms, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, adipokine imbalance, insulin resistance, activation of insulin-like growth factor-1, hormonal alterations, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. These processes are closely influenced by nutritional factors. Plant-based dietary patterns rich in dietary fiber and bioactive compounds may help prevent obesity-related cancers by reducing oxidative stress, supporting immune function, and improving metabolic homeostasis. In addition, functional foods and specific bioactive compounds exhibit chemopreventive effects through their actions on cellular signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation, and cell cycle control. This review aims to provide a scientific perspective on nutrition-based preventive strategies by evaluating the effects of plant-based dietary patterns and functional foods in reducing obesity-related cancer risk.