Cancer deaths linked to obesity have more than tripled in the United States since 1999, a new study finds.Researchers say the steepest increases are among women, older adults, Black people, Native Americans and rural populations.According to the CDC, obesity is associated with a higher risk of 13 types of cancer, which account for 40% of annual diagnoses in the U.S. Post-menopausal Breast Cancer Colorectal Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Uterine Cancer Gallbladder Cancer Upper Stomach Cancer Kidney Cancer Liver Cancer Ovarian Cancer Thyroid Cancer Meningioma Multiple Myeloma Adenocarcinoma of the EsophagusThe researchers used CDC data to analyze more than 33,000 deaths from obesity-related cancers between 1999 and 2020.The results showed a dramatic increase during that time period -- from under 4 deaths per million to over 13 deaths per million.The Midwest had the highest rate of obesity-related cancer deaths, while the Northeast had the lowest.The lead researcher says these findings underscore “the need for targeted public health strategies such as early screening and improved access to care, especially in high-risk rural and underserved areas.”This study was presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting.Author Affiliation: Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center .Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter