Weight-loss drugs may lower cancer risk in people with diabetes, a study suggests

Researchers are exploring the potential of popular drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound in preventing cancer by addressing the increased risk associated with excess body weight. A recent study analyzing 170,000 patient records suggests a lower risk of obesity-related cancers in U.S. adults with diabetes who used these medications compared to those on a different class of diabetes drugs not linked to weight loss. While the study doesn’t establish causation, it highlights a potential link worth further investigation. Over a dozen cancers are tied to obesity, prompting calls for more research in this area. The findings, presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, will be discussed at its annual meeting in Chicago. The study, led by Lucas Mavromatis of New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, was supported by the National Institutes of Health. GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic gut and brain hormones to regulate appetite, have shown promise in treating diabetes and obesity. The study compared groups of individuals with obesity and diabetes taking GLP-1 drugs versus another class of diabetes medication, revealing a lower risk of obesity-related cancer and overall mortality in the GLP-1 group after four years. Notably, the effect was more pronounced in women. Potential factors like drug concentration, weight loss, metabolism, or hormones may explain the gender difference. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the drugs’ potential in cancer prevention.