Cancer-Associated Cachexia in the Era of Obesity

Abstract

Obesity and cancer cachexia represent opposite ends of the body mass index (BMI) spectrum. However, despite this apparent dichotomy, both conditions share critical metabolic alterations, primarily driven by inflammation, metabolic alterations and changes in adipose tissue biology. Obesity is characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation and increased fat storage, while cancer cachexia involves severe weight loss, muscle atrophy, and lipolysis, with inflammation playing a central role in both conditions. Inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 are increased in both scenarios, contributing to metabolic dysregulation and systemic energy imbalance. This review explores the shared inflammatory and metabolic pathways underlying obesity and cancer cachexia, with particular regard to the role of white adipose tissue (WAT). Moreover, we intend to highlight the importance of understanding the common mechanisms for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for managing these complex metabolic disorders.