Obesity-Associated Cancer Deaths Surge Threefold in Two Decades

SAN FRANCISCO—Cancer deaths linked to obesity have surged by threefold in the United States over the past two decades, as detailed in a groundbreaking study presented at ENDO 2025, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, held in San Francisco, California. The research, which analyzed mortality data from over 33,000 deaths attributed to obesity-associated cancers, revealed alarming trends, particularly among women, older adults, Native Americans, and Black Americans.

Lead researcher Dr. Faizan Ahmed, a medical doctor at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City, New Jersey, emphasized the critical implications of the findings. "Obesity is a significant risk factor for multiple cancers, contributing to considerable mortality," stated Dr. Ahmed. He noted that the research underscores the urgent need for targeted public health strategies, including early screening and improved healthcare access, especially in high-risk, rural, and underserved areas.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity affects 40.3% of adults in the country. This complex disease arises from various genetic, physiological, hormonal, environmental, and developmental factors. In addition to increasing the risk of developing certain cancers, obesity is associated with a higher likelihood of serious chronic conditions, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease.

The CDC identifies 13 types of cancer that are significantly linked to obesity, which together account for approximately 40% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States each year. These cancers include: adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, breast cancer in postmenopausal women, colon and rectal cancers, uterine cancer, gallbladder cancer, upper stomach cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, meningioma (a type of brain cancer), and multiple myeloma.

Dr. Ahmed's study utilized mortality data from the CDC, examining 33,572 U.S. deaths from obesity-associated cancers between 1999 and 2020. The analysis revealed that age-adjusted mortality rates increased from 3.73 to 13.52 per million over the two decades, with particularly steep increases among women, older adults, Black Americans, Native Americans, and rural populations. Regionally, the Midwest reported the highest rates of obesity-related cancer deaths, in contrast to the Northeast, which had the lowest.

State-level analysis indicated that Vermont, Minnesota, and Oklahoma had the highest rates of cancer deaths linked to obesity, whereas Utah, Alabama, and Virginia reported the lowest rates. These disparities highlight the importance of localized public health initiatives aimed at reducing obesity and its associated risks.

The growing prevalence of obesity-linked cancers poses significant public health challenges. As Dr. Ahmed concluded, "This research highlights the pressing need for comprehensive public health strategies that address the underlying factors contributing to obesity and prioritize early intervention and healthcare accessibility."

The findings of this study align with previous research on the rising rates of obesity in the United States and its correlation with various health issues. According to a 2022 report by the World Health Organization, global obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975, demonstrating a worldwide public health crisis. The implications of these findings are profound, calling for immediate action from healthcare policymakers, public health officials, and community leaders to address this escalating issue effectively.

As America continues to grapple with the obesity epidemic, this recent study serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat the growing incidence of obesity-associated cancers, particularly in vulnerable populations. The future of public health hinges on these initiatives, which must prioritize prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care for all individuals at risk.