Obesity has been a growing concern worldwide, while more people are aware of how being obese affects their health, obesity continues to be a problem, with the statistics showing concerning numbers. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 2017-18 data revealed that one out of three adults are overweight, two out of five adults have obesity, and one in 11 adults are suffering from severe obesity. However, it doesn’t end there. A new study has revealed how this concerning pattern has also raised the numbers of death associated with obesity. A new study presented by the Endocrine Society reveals a concerning trend: deaths from cancers tied to obesity have more than tripled in the U.S. over the last two decades. Between 1999 and 2020, the number of deaths from 13 types of obesity-related cancers jumped from 3.7 to 13.5 deaths per million people. Rising Impact of Obesity on Cancer This research highlights how important it is to have focused public health plans, like earlier cancer screenings and better access to healthcare, especially in areas where people are at high risk, like rural or underserved communities. Currently, over 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese, and cancers linked to obesity make up 40% of all cancer diagnoses each year. These cancers include those affecting the esophagus, breast, colon, uterus, gallbladder, stomach, kidney, liver, ovaries, pancreas, thyroid, and brain, as well as a blood cancer called multiple myeloma. For this study, researchers looked at data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tracking over 33,500 deaths from cancers connected to obesity. Overall, deaths from obesity-related cancers increased by almost 6% each year on average between 1999 and 2000. However, the period between 2018 and 2020 saw a sharp rise, with the death rate climbing by more than 19% annually. Who's Most Affected By This Spike In Cases? The study also showed significant increases in obesity-related cancer deaths among certain groups. These included women, older adults, Black individuals, Native Americans, and people living in rural areas. Geographically, the Midwest had the highest rate of these cancer deaths, with nearly 8 deaths per million, while the Northeast had the lowest, at under 6 per million. Looking at individual states, Vermont, Minnesota, and Oklahoma had the highest rates, while Utah, Alabama, and Virginia had the lowest. Given these alarming trends, researchers concluded that it's crucial to have specific public health efforts. These should include prevention strategies, early screening programs, and making sure everyone has fair access to healthcare. What Has Influenced This Influx? According to the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), the rise in obesity rates could be traced back to 1976 and 1980. The problem grew at roughly the same time for men and women, people of all ages, and all racial and ethnic groups. The number of people who were obese kept steadily going up until at least 2016. The cause seems very closely tied to big shifts in what Americans started eating. It’s not so much about changes in how much fat or carbohydrates people were consuming. The OMA suggests that the strongest link to the obesity problem is ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Think of these as foods that are heavily changed from their natural state. They're often packed with lots of calories, salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, but have very few natural, whole ingredients. Role Of Sugary Food and Surge In Calorie Intake According to a 2022 study published in the Nutrient journal, a major part of why the obesity rate increased came down to simply eating more calories. On average, Americans now eat 23% more calories each day than they did in 1970. A significant portion of these daily calories—almost half—come from flour and grain products. The study noted that a report from 2016 looked at what Americans were eating. It found that people were consuming more sweeteners made from corn and more cheese than two decades prior. Interestingly, they were eating less beef and drinking less milk. It's tough to point to just one food trend as the sole cause of rising obesity. Americans are also cooking at home less and eating out more, which can make it harder to control portion sizes and make healthy food choices. Plus, for some people, limited income means healthier foods are simply too expensive. Other possible reasons for the increase include spending more time in desk jobs and walking less. Other Reasons Attributed to Weight Gain The study also explained how in the recent years, rates of depression and anxiety have climbed. Mental health and weight have a complex connection. These conditions can lead people to eat emotionally or feel less motivated to make healthy changes in their lives. It’s likely that a combination of all these factors has led to the rise in obesity rates. It's important to remember that everyone is different, with their own experiences, lifestyle, and health background. How Can We Avert This Health Crisis? According to the OMA, applying the four pillars of obesity treatment could be the answer to this crisis which are nutrition therapy, physical activity, behavioral modification, and medical interventions. Nutrition Therapy A balanced diet, full of whole foods like fruits and veggies, along with low-fat dairy and various proteins, is key to preventing and treating obesity effectively. Encourage cutting back on processed items and limiting sugar to less than six teaspoons daily. Drinking more water also helps. Physical Activity Increasing physical activity and getting enough sleep are essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Aim for about 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate exercise weekly. Even small steps, like a gradual increase in daily walking, can make a big difference. Behavioral Modification Adjusting daily habits can be tough for those struggling with obesity. Behavior modification helps tackle challenges like unhealthy eating and inactivity. This might include personalized plans or therapy to address food triggers and promote lasting positive changes. Medical Interventions For some, medications or surgery can also help manage obesity. Medicines often work by reducing appetite or making you feel full. Surgery can alter the stomach or digestive system for significant weight loss, usually for severe obesity.