Cancer risk in gym-goers relying on chicken for daily protein, claims study

Most gym-goers in India are hooked on chicken as their primary source of protein. Well, that’s because chicken is an amazing source of protein, which gets easily absorbed in the body. Chicken has long been the go-to protein for bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts alike. It's lean, affordable, and packed with muscle-building benefits. But a new study is urging gym-goers to rethink their daily chicken intake after finding a link between high poultry consumption and certain types of cancer.

The study by The Author Manuscript, conducted over several years with nearly half a million participants, found that those who ate more chicken had a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma , prostate cancer, and malignant melanoma. While the risk increase was described as moderate, it was consistent enough to raise concerns—especially among people who consume chicken daily.

So, what's causing the issue?

According to Dr. Shreedhar Deshmukh MD Physician Ruby hall clinic, Hinjawadi, “One factor could be the way chicken is cooked. Grilling and frying at high temperatures can produce harmful chemicals like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to damage cells. There's also growing concern about the use of antibiotics and additives in poultry farming, as well as contamination risks during processing.”

For gym-goers who eat chicken two to three times a day, the study serves as a wake-up call. Experts recommend diversifying your protein sources. Include fish, eggs, dairy, lentils, tofu, beans, and nuts in your meals. Even plant-based proteins can support muscle growth when paired with the right diet.

This isn’t about cutting chicken out completely—it’s about balance. Relying too heavily on any one food, even a “healthy” one, can backfire in the long run. Instead, choose variety, cook smart, and aim for a well-rounded plate.

Carcinogens in the meat itself, the cooking process, or interactions with other dietary components are examples of potential contributing causes. The experts stressed the necessity of additional research to comprehend the underlying mechanisms and validate these findings.