Cancer deaths linked to obesity have tripled in the United States over the past two decades, according to a study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco.
Researchers studied more than 33,000 deaths from obesity-associated cancers and found sharp increases, especially among women, older adults, Native Americans, and Black Americans.
“Obesity is a significant risk factor for multiple cancers, contributing to significant mortality,” said Dr. Faizan Ahmed, the lead researcher. He emphasized the importance of early screening and better access to care, especially in high-risk and underserved areas.
Obesity is common, affecting over 40% of U.S. adults. It is caused by a mix of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Besides cancer, obesity also raises the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
13 Cancers Linked to Obesity
According to the CDC, obesity is associated with a higher risk of these 13 cancers:
- Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
- Breast (postmenopausal women)
- Colon and rectum
- Uterus
- Gallbladder
- Upper stomach
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Ovaries
- Pancreas
- Thyroid
- Meningioma (brain cancer)
- Multiple myeloma
Using CDC mortality data, Dr. Ahmed analyzed 33,572 deaths between 1999 and 2020. Age-adjusted mortality rates increased from 3.73 to 13.52 per million. The largest increases were seen in women, older adults, Black people, Native Americans, and rural populations.
Regionally, the Midwest had the highest obesity-related cancer death rates, while the Northeast had the lowest. Among states, Vermont, Minnesota, and Oklahoma had the highest rates; Utah, Alabama, and Virginia had the lowest.
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