U.S. scientists say that obese people face a greater risk of developing colon cancer. That is because fat cells in the bodies of obese people produce a hormone called Leptin that triggered colon cancers to grow, scientists say.

According to BBC news, study leader Dr. Kim Barrett said, "These results may explain why obesity increases a person's risk of colonic cancer."

A colon cancer patient suffers from cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix, according to the study.

"The fact we have shown how leptin stimulates these cells means that drug companies may be in a better position to develop new treatments against the disease," explained Barrett.

The University of California, San Diego researchers, conducted the study, published in the British Journal of Surgery.