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.

Every year, the month of July is marked as Sarcoma Awareness Month—a time when patients, caregivers, doctors, and advocates across the world come together to shine a light on this rare and often overlooked group of cancers.

In 2025, the global theme is “Know. Act. Advocate.” It urges people to understand the signs, respond to early symptoms, and support timely diagnosis and treatment.

Unlike most common cancers that begin in internal organs, sarcoma often starts in the bones and soft tissues. That’s why experts say not all cancers begin from within.

“Sarcoma is often called the ‘forgotten cancer’ because of its rarity and the lack of awareness around it,” says Dr. Sunil Chopade, Consultant, Medical Oncology at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.

What Is Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

Sarcomas are a rare form of cancer that can arise from a wide range of tissues—muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and fibrous tissues. Based on their origin, they are categorized as bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas.

“Soft tissue sarcomas are classified into nearly 100 types based on the cell of origin and genetic changes,” explains Dr. Chopade. “While they make up less than 1% of adult cancers, in children, they account for about 10–15%.”

Common types include Ewing’s sarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma, especially in younger patients. These can occur in areas such as the extremities, chest wall, spine, or abdominal cavity.

When to Worry About a Lump

One of the earliest signs of sarcoma is a lump or swelling, but not all lumps are dangerous. So how do you tell the difference?

“Benign lumps like lipomas may stay the same size for years and are usually painless,” says Dr. Chopade. “But if the swelling is painful, growing in size, or limiting movement, it needs evaluation.”

He adds, “Unlike benign lumps, sarcomas can infiltrate surrounding tissues. If a lump persists or grows, don’t ignore it.”

Symptoms Depend on the Site

Symptoms of sarcoma can vary dramatically depending on where it develops. A tumor near the joints may limit movement, while one in the abdomen can cause pain, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness. Sarcomas near the spine may even lead to neurological issues.

Who Is at Risk?

Although sarcoma can strike without warning, some factors increase risk.

“Previous radiation exposure is a known cause,” Dr. Chopade says. “There are also genetic syndromes like Li-Fraumeni and retinoblastoma that are linked with sarcoma.”

As for lifestyle factors? “There is no evidence that any specific diet or supplement prevents sarcoma,” he clarifies.

Diagnosis and Why Early Detection Matters

Sarcoma diagnosis relies on imaging techniques such as MRI, CT, and PET-CT, followed by a biopsy to confirm the cancer type.

“Treatment typically includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy,” Dr. Chopade says. “If detected early, sarcomas can be cured.”

Specialists to consult include medical oncologists, cancer surgeons, and orthopaedic oncologists, particularly those experienced in bone and soft tissue tumors.

Though immunotherapy has shown promise in many cancers, its application in soft tissue sarcomas is still under research, except in select cases.

The goal of Sarcoma Awareness Month is not just education, but empowerment. “Knowing the signs, acting on symptoms, and advocating for timely care can save lives,” stresses Dr. Chopade.

If you notice an unusual lump or persistent pain, don’t wait. Consult your doctor or oncologist. Early action can make all the difference.

CJ, a busy restaurant manager, was getting ready to turn 38. He worked 60-hour weeks and was planning a trip to Spain. In all that rush, he barely noticed a small, itchy bump on his thigh. He thought it was just a mosquito bite and didn't worry about it.

When a "Bite" Turns Dangerous

But this bump was different. It grew very quickly, and in just three months, it became a raised, half-inch lump that started to bleed. Even though he still believed it was harmless, the fast changes made CJ decide to see a skin doctor. The news was shocking: it was melanoma, a very serious type of skin cancer. CJ described it as "the fastest moving train I've ever seen." Within two weeks of that first appointment, he had scans and urgent surgery. The cancer, a serious Stage IIIB melanoma, had already spread to the lymph nodes in his groin.

Finding Strength Through a Tough Battle

CJ and his husband had to cancel their trip to Spain. Instead, CJ spent the week recovering from surgery. It was incredibly hard for him to go from a healthy person with what he thought was a simple bug bite to a cancer patient facing treatment so quickly.

Despite feeling down and depressed at first, CJ held onto his positive attitude, largely thanks to his husband's constant support. His husband was his "cheerleader," reminding him that everything would be okay.

CJ went through his treatment, which included several rounds of IV medication. After that, he had regular check-ups with ultrasounds and CT scans for five years to make sure the melanoma hadn't come back. He approached these appointments like a checklist. CJ shared that cancer never defined him; he just wanted to get on with his life.

Living Cancer-Free and Helping Others

Recently, CJ got the wonderful news that he's been cancer-free for five years. CJ advises anyone facing a new diagnosis to acknowledge their mental health and seek support. While he has great resilience, he found value in connecting with others who had similar experiences. That's why he now shares his story and volunteers to help other cancer patients, including working with campaigns like the American Cancer Society's Men Wear Pink.

Body Changes and Sun Protection

CJ's experience really highlights how crucial it is to pay attention to any changes in your body and see a doctor if something doesn't go away. What seemed like a minor irritation turned into a serious, life-threatening condition that needed immediate medical care.

His journey also serves as a strong reminder about protecting yourself from the sun. While anyone can get skin cancer, CJ's doctors believe his melanoma might be linked to a lot of sun exposure when he was younger. He knows that growing up in the 1980s meant less awareness about staying in the shade or using daily sunscreen. However, with his fair skin and red hair, studies show he was already at a much higher risk for skin cancer than people with darker hair and skin.

Today, CJ and his husband are new parents, and they make sure their son is protected from the sun every single day. Their son is "always the first one getting the sunscreen." CJ believes the choices we make daily affect our physical and mental health, and he wants to do everything he can to protect his son.

CJ now sees his cancer journey as a significant event that pushed him to make healthier choices, including better sun protection and a healthier diet. His career is now focused on fitness and nutrition, and he considers his past cancer experience just that – part of his past, thanks in part to the work of organizations like the American Cancer Society.

Diabetes is one of the most common health issues that many people go through. It is a condition where one’s blood sugar is higher than normal. The World Health Organization explains that the number of people who have diabetes has increased from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. The drastic increase in numbers has been attributed to the increase in the prevalence of processed and sugary foods, lack of movement due to long working hours, etc.

While it is a prevalent condition, it needs specific tests to be diagnosed. So, does a person develop diabetes with no prior signs or warnings? There is in fact a warning step before you get diagnosed with diabetes known as prediabetes.

Understanding Diabetes and Prediabetes

There are also 2 types of diabetes. Type 2 is the most common type, where your pancreas do not make enough insulin to breakdown the blood glucose. In type 1, a person’s pancreas stops working, causing high blood sugar levels.

However, before you develop type 2 diabetes, there is a ‘warning stage’ known as prediabetes.

Prediabetes, also called non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It's a serious concern because it significantly increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Tell-Tales Signs of Prediabetes

By recognizing prediabetes and making changes to your daily life, you can significantly lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This includes-

Feeling Tired

Experiencing unusual tiredness or frequent energy dips could be a subtle clue. When blood sugar levels aren't stable, your body struggles to use energy efficiently, leaving you feeling drained even after rest. This ongoing fatigue is a common early warning.

Blurry Vision

Occasional or persistent blurry vision might indicate fluctuating blood sugar levels. High sugar can affect the fluid balance in your eyes, causing the lens to swell and change shape, leading to temporary or recurring fuzziness in your sight.

Increased Hunger

Feeling hungry more often than normal, even after eating, is a symptom known as polyphagia. If your body isn't effectively using glucose for energy, your cells might signal a constant need for more fuel, leading to persistent hunger pangs.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying, even when you're eating more, can be a surprising early sign. This happens because your body might not be getting enough energy from glucose, causing it to start burning fat and muscle for fuel instead, leading to unintended weight loss.

Darkened Skin Patches

You might notice areas of darkened, velvety skin, especially around your neck, armpits, or groin. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, is a common visual sign of insulin resistance, where your body isn't using insulin effectively.

Skin Tags

While generally harmless, having an unusual number of small skin growths, or skin tags, can sometimes be linked to higher insulin levels and insulin resistance. They often appear in areas where skin rubs together, like the neck or armpits.

Slow-Healing Wounds

If your cuts, scrapes, or wounds take an unusually long time to heal, it could be a warning sign. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, reducing blood flow and the body's ability to repair itself efficiently.

Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

Feeling unusually thirsty all the time and needing to urinate much more often, especially at night, are classic signs. When blood sugar is too high, your kidneys work overtime to filter out the excess sugar, pulling more water from your body and making you thirsty.

Getting Diagnosed and Checked

The exact cause of prediabetes isn't fully clear, but your family history and genes play a significant role. The only definite way to know if you have it is through a blood test ordered by your doctor. In the UK, if you're aged 40-74, the NHS Health Check includes a diabetes risk assessment and you should be invited for this check-up every five years to help detect early signs.