Cancer deaths related to obesity have tripled in the United States over the past 20 years, according to new research presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco.
The study analyzed over 33,000 deaths from obesity-related cancers and found large increases, especially among women, older adults, Native Americans, and Black Americans.
“Obesity is a major risk factor for several types of cancer,” said Dr. Faizan Ahmed, the study’s lead researcher from Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
“This study shows the urgent need for better public health strategies like early cancer screenings and improved healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved areas where the risks are higher.”
Obesity is now a widespread condition in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 40.3% of American adults live with obesity.
It is a complex condition caused by a mix of genetics, hormone changes, environment, and lifestyle. Besides cancer, obesity increases the risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney problems.
The CDC has identified 13 types of cancer that are more likely to occur in people with obesity. These account for 40% of all cancer diagnoses in the country each year. These cancers include:
– Esophageal adenocarcinoma
– Postmenopausal breast cancer
– Colon and rectal cancer
– Uterine cancer
– Gallbladder cancer
– Upper stomach cancer
– Kidney cancer
– Liver cancer
– Ovarian cancer
– Pancreatic cancer
– Thyroid cancer
– Meningioma (a type of brain cancer)
– Multiple myeloma
Using data from the CDC, Dr. Ahmed’s team reviewed 33,572 cancer deaths linked to obesity between 1999 and 2020. Over those years, the age-adjusted mortality rate rose from 3.73 to 13.52 deaths per million people. The sharpest increases were found among women, seniors, Black and Native American populations, and those living in rural communities.
When comparing regions, the Midwest had the highest rates of obesity-related cancer deaths, while the Northeast had the lowest. At the state level, Vermont, Minnesota, and Oklahoma showed the highest mortality rates. In contrast, Utah, Alabama, and Virginia had the lowest rates.
These findings highlight the serious impact of obesity on public health and the need for urgent action. Improving access to healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and targeting resources to the most affected communities could help reduce these preventable cancer deaths.
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