Recent data shows a significant increase in obesity-related cancer deaths in the United States in the past two decades, rising from 3.73 million to 13.52 million.
This information comes from a study conducted by researchers at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Health, presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco.
The study examined over 33,000 deaths attributed to obesity-associated cancers between 1999 and 2020, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Older adults, women, and racial minorities were found to be at a higher risk for obesity-related cancers. The Midwest had the highest rate of obesity-related cancer deaths, while the Northeast had the lowest.
Vermont, Minnesota, and Oklahoma had the highest rates, while Utah, Alabama, and Virginia had the lowest.
According to the CDC, over 40% of Americans are obese, increasing their chances of developing certain cancers and other chronic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
Obesity has been linked to a higher risk of developing 13 specific types of cancer, accounting for 40% of all cancer diagnoses in the US annually.
The study’s co-author, Mohamed Bakr, M.D., emphasized that obesity-related cancer mortality rates have more than tripled in the US, with a significant surge between 2018 and 2020.
Dr. Robert Den, a radiation oncologist, expressed concern over the rising cases of obesity-related cancers, particularly colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic, and postmenopausal breast cancer.
Preventive strategies include promoting a healthy body weight through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and reduced alcohol consumption, along with cancer screenings and early intervention.
Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight-loss specialist, highlighted the use of obesity and diabetes medications in reducing cancer risk, emphasizing the importance of weight loss in reducing inflammation and preventing cancer.
Addressing obesity is crucial for cancer prevention, and proactive measures can lead to better long-term health outcomes for the population.
It is essential to take obesity and its associated health risks seriously and seek professional guidance for weight management and overall health improvement.
