Research shows weight-loss drugs may also reduce cancer risk

Key Points:

• Emerging observational studies suggest that popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are GLP-1 receptor agonists, may help prevent or treat certain obesity-related cancers beyond their weight loss effects.
• Research indicates that significant weight loss induced by GLP-1s, comparable to bariatric surgery, is likely the primary mechanism reducing cancer risk and recurrence, although anti-inflammatory and immune-related effects may also contribute.
• Data from studies show women taking GLP-1s have about a 30% lower risk of developing breast cancer, and these drugs appear to reduce the risk of cancer spread in lung, breast, colon, and liver cancers.
• Experts caution that while GLP-1s show promise, their interactions with active cancer treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy are not well understood, so their use during active treatment is not currently recommended.
• For cancer survivors who have completed therapy and struggle with obesity, GLP-1s may be considered to reduce recurrence risk, but decisions should be made in consultation with oncologists due to the need for more rigorous clinical trials.