In only two decades, obesity-related cancer deaths in America have tripled, with women, minority groups, and older adults being most affected by the sharp increase. This increase in cancer fatalities highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to raise awareness of the broader impacts of obesity and equitable access to care.
Research recently presented at ENDO 2025 revealed that obesity is linked to 13 different cancers and that obesity has become a major contributor to cancer mortality rates, especially in the underserved and rural populations. The study examined over 33,000 obesity-associated cancer deaths to reveal the sharp increase in cancer deaths, which were significantly more pronounced in rural areas, women, older adults, Black Americans, and Native Americans.
“Obesity is a significant risk factor for multiple cancers, contributing to significant mortality,” said lead researcher Faizan Ahmed, M.D., of Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City, N.J. “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.”
Investigating obesity-related cancer deaths
This study analyzed CDC mortality data from 33,572 obesity-associated cancer deaths in America from 199 to 2020. The age-adjusted mortality rates were found to increase from 3.73 to 13.52 per million over twenty years, with steep increases among certain groups, including older adults, Black Americans, Native Americans, women, and those living in rural populations.
Regionally, the analysis found that the Midwest had the highest rate of obesity-related cancer deaths, while the Northeast had the lowest rates. A state-level analysis revealed that Vermont, Minnesota, and Oklahoma had the highest rates of obesity-related cancer death, while Utah, Alabama, and Virginia had the lowest rates.
Obesity facts and recent statistics
Over 41.9% of adults in America are estimated to be living with obesity, and a similar percentage of children and adolescents are also obese. According to a separate study, the rate of obesity among adults has risen by 29.5%, and the rate of the most severe forms of obesity (BMI over 60) has increased by 210% (over 850,000 people) in the past few decades.
Once uncommon just a few decades ago, obesity has become common; in fact, it has been classed as an epidemic since 1997. It is complex, resulting from multiple physiological, hormonal, lifestyle, environmental, developmental, and genetic factors.
According to the CDC, obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing 13 types of cancer, and these account for 40% of all cancer diagnoses within the United States every year. These types include: adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, breast (in women who have gone through menopause), colon and rectum, uterus, gallbladder, upper stomach, kidneys, liver, ovaries, pancreas, thyroid, meningioma (a type of brain cancer), and multiple myeloma.
Not only does obesity contribute to certain cancers, obesity also increases the risk of developing other serious chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, prediabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, poor circulation, fibromyalgia, stroke, respiratory issues, hypertension, depression, gallstones, liver problems, reduced fertility, skin problems, both chronic and end-stage kidney disease, musculoskeletal problems, and sleep apnea.
Lastly, and arguably most importantly, let’s not leave out the one most people wish to avoid; obesity significantly contributes to the risk of early death.
Many of the causes of obesity are preventable and can be reversed through healthful lifestyle changes. Focusing on a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of obesity and its wide-ranging associated health problems.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
