Fact check: A UK study showed that every 5-point increase in BMI raises the risk of dying from prostate cancer by about 10%.

1. Summary of the results

The original statement claims that a UK study found a 10% increase in the risk of dying from prostate cancer for every 5-point increase in BMI ^[1]. However, not all analyses support this claim. Some studies suggest a positive association between adiposity and risk of dying from prostate cancer ^[1], while others indicate that higher BMI is associated with lower risk of prostate cancer diagnosis but higher risk of prostate cancer mortality ^[2]. Additionally, some analyses report that obese men had more than a 50% increase in prostate cancer mortality compared to men with healthy BMI ^[3], and that overweight and obese patients are more likely to have an advanced or metastatic prostate cancer at diagnosis ^[4]. Other studies suggest a complex relationship between BMI and prostate cancer, with higher BMI associated with lower risk of prostate cancer but higher risk of prostate cancer mortality ^[2]. Some analyses do not provide relevant information to support or contradict the claim ^{[5] [2]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key point missing from the original statement is the complexity of the relationship between BMI and prostate cancer ^[2]. Some studies suggest that higher BMI is associated with lower risk of prostate cancer diagnosis ^[2], which contradicts the idea of a direct 10% increase in risk for every 5-point increase in BMI. Additionally, the mechanisms by which BMI affects prostate cancer risk and mortality are not well understood and require further research ^{[1] [3]}. Alternative viewpoints include the idea that BMI may not be the best measure of adiposity ^[1], and that other factors such as lifestyle and genetics may play a role in the relationship between BMI and prostate cancer ^[4].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading or oversimplified, as it does not account for the complexity of the relationship between BMI and prostate cancer ^[2]. The claim of a 10% increase in risk for every 5-point increase in BMI may not be supported by all studies, and may be influenced by biases in the study design or population ^[2]. Additionally, the statement may benefit companies that sell weight loss products or services, as it suggests that losing weight can reduce the risk of prostate cancer mortality ^[3]. On the other hand, the statement may not benefit companies that sell products or services related to prostate cancer treatment, as it suggests that lifestyle changes may be able to reduce the risk of prostate cancer mortality ^[4]. Overall, it is essential to consider multiple sources and viewpoints when evaluating the relationship between BMI and prostate cancer ^{[1] [2]}.