Obesity-linked cancer deaths triple across the United States over two decades, study finds

Key Takeaways:

• Cancer deaths associated with obesity have tripled in the United States from 1999 to 2020, with the sharpest rises seen among women, older adults, Black people, Native Americans and those living in rural communities.
• Obesity is linked to a higher risk of developing 13 types of cancer, which collectively account for 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year.
• Researchers highlight the urgent need for tailored public health initiatives to enhance early screening and expand access to care, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas.
  

Alarming rise in obesity-related cancer deaths

Cancer deaths linked to obesity have tripled in the United States over the past two decades, according to new research being presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, California.

The study investigated more than 33,000 deaths from cancers known to be associated with obesity. It revealed striking increases in mortality, particularly among women, older adults, Native Americans and Black Americans.

“Obesity is a significant risk factor for multiple cancers, contributing to significant mortality. This research underscores the need for targeted public health strategies such as early screening and improved access to care, especially in high-risk rural and underserved areas,” said Dr Faizan Ahmed, lead researcher from Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City, New Jersey.

Obesity’s far-reaching impact on health

Obesity is a widespread condition. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40.3% of adults in the country have obesity. It is a complex disease, influenced by an interplay of genetic, physiological, hormonal, environmental and developmental factors.

In addition to increasing the risk of certain cancers, obesity raises the likelihood of developing serious long-term conditions, including:

• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
• heart disease
• chronic and end-stage kidney disease
  

The 13 cancers linked to obesity

Data from the CDC show that obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing 13 types of cancer. These cancers together make up 40% of all cancers diagnosed each year in the United States. They include:

• Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus
• Breast cancer (in women who have gone through menopause)
• Colon and rectal cancer
• Cancer of the uterus
• Gallbladder cancer
• Upper stomach (gastric cardia) cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Meningioma (a type of brain tumour)
• Multiple myeloma
  

What the study found

Dr Ahmed’s research used mortality data from the CDC to analyse 33,572 deaths in the United States from cancers linked to obesity between 1999 and 2020. The findings showed that age-adjusted mortality rates rose markedly over this period, increasing from 3.73 to 13.52 per million people.

Certain groups experienced especially steep rises in these death rates. These included:

• women
• older adults
• Black people
• Native Americans
• people living in rural areas
  

Regional differences across the United States

The study also uncovered notable geographic patterns. The Midwest recorded the highest rate of obesity-related cancer deaths, whereas the Northeast had the lowest. When analysed by state, Vermont, Minnesota and Oklahoma had the highest rates of deaths linked to obesity-associated cancers. In contrast, Utah, Alabama and Virginia reported the lowest rates.

Calls for stronger public health action

Experts stress that these findings highlight the critical importance of targeted public health interventions. Strategies could include expanding early cancer screening programmes and improving access to healthcare services, with a particular focus on communities that are rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged or have a high prevalence of obesity.

As Dr Ahmed emphasised: “This research underscores the need for targeted public health strategies such as early screening and improved access to care, especially in high-risk rural and underserved areas.”

CCH Insight:

Sadly, the rapid rise in cancer cases across the US is not really surprising, in that it follows the increase in obesity over recent decades. While CCH agrees there is an urgent need for targeted public health strategies, such as early cancer screening and improved access to cancer care, we would also say “treat obesity first.” If you treat obesity successfully, you will significantly reduce the prevalence of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and a number of common cancers.