Cancer deaths tied to obesity have tripled in the U.S. over the past two decades, with sharp increases among Black Americans, Native Americans, older adults, and women. A study presented at ENDO 2025 analyzed more than 33,000 deaths from obesity-associated cancers between 1999 and 2020, revealing that age-adjusted mortality rates rose from 3.73 to 13.52 per million.
Lead researcher Faizan Ahmed emphasized that “obesity is a significant risk factor for multiple cancers,” and called for targeted public health strategies, especially in underserved and rural areas. The Midwest had the highest regional death rates, while Vermont, Minnesota, and Oklahoma topped the state-level list.
Obesity’s impact is not just statistical—it’s biological. Excess visceral fat triggers inflammation, which can damage the body and increase cancer risk. This inflammation stems from fat cells that lack oxygen, disrupting hormone regulation and fueling disease.
Ahmed urged a shift from downstream management to upstream prevention. He proposed universal access to cancer screening, public campaigns that normalize obesity management, and policies promoting healthy food and physical activity. He also called for incentives to integrate weight management into routine care and investment in community-based models for underserved populations.
With 40.3% of U.S. adults classified as obese, the stakes are high. The study’s findings underscore how obesity intersects with race, geography, and access to care—deepening health disparities and demanding urgent attention.
See: “Obesity-Linked Cancer Death Rate Triples in U.S.” (July 16, 2025)
