Visceral adiposity in gastrointestinal and hepatic carcinogenesis

► Emerging evidence suggests a key role for visceral rather than generalised body fat in carcinogenesis. ► Visceral fat is linked to colorectal, oesophageal, pancreatic and hepatic adenocarcinomas. ► Chronic inflammation and altered metabolic activity induced by excess visceral fat is thought to promote carcinogenesis. ► The precise mechanisms linking visceral fat and cancer need further research.