Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, originally developed for obesity and diabetes treatment, are now showing promise in tackling other conditions, including addiction, sleep apnea, and even cancer. These drugs, part of the GLP-1 agonist class, have garnered attention for their ability to regulate hormones, slow digestion, and suppress appetite, leading to significant health benefits.
Recent studies suggest these medications could help prevent several obesity-driven cancers, such as breast, colon, liver, and ovarian cancers. “It's a hopeful story, which is, frankly, what people need,” says Arif Kamal, a breast cancer oncologist and chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society.
Promising early research
Although the research is still in its early stages, evidence consistently points to GLP-1 drugs’ potential in reducing cancer risks. A study published in JAMA Oncology last year indicated these medications might lower colon cancer risk, even in individuals without excess weight. Another analysis in JAMA Network Open found that GLP-1 drugs provided significantly greater cancer protection for diabetic patients compared to insulin treatments.
At the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) meeting, researchers presented findings showing both bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications significantly reduce the risk of 13 obesity-related cancers. Bariatric surgery lowered cancer risk by 22% over 10 years, while GLP-1 drugs reduced it by an impressive 39%. “A 39% risk reduction is one of the most impactful risk reductions we've ever really seen,” Kamal states.
How GLP-1 drugs work
GLP-1 agonists were initially designed for diabetes treatment nearly two decades ago, but regulators later approved them for weight loss. Modern formulations, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide (sold under brands like Wegovy and Zepbound), have expanded their applications significantly.
The relationship between obesity and cancer is intricate. Many obesity-related cancers, including those of the liver, pancreas, and uterus, involve organs central to digestion, metabolism, or reproduction. These organs are influenced by hormones like estrogen, which is produced in greater quantities by fat cells and has been linked to cancer growth.
“Estrogen is a key driver of many cancers,” Kamal explains, adding that the prevalence of obesity is increasing cancer risks among women, narrowing a historical gender gap in cancer incidence. Obesity is also a major factor behind rising cancer rates in younger adults, similar to the role smoking played in previous generations. “Unhealthy weight is the smoking of our generation,” Kamal says.
Beyond weight loss
Interestingly, GLP-1 drugs seem to reduce cancer risks beyond their weight-loss effects. The ASCO study found these drugs provide protection against cancer even in patients who did not lose significant weight. Researchers believe the medications work through multiple mechanisms, including improved blood sugar control and anti-inflammatory properties.
“We think the protective effects of GLP-1s are probably multifactorial,” says Cindy Lin, a resident physician at Case Western Reserve and co-author of the ASCO study. “Part of it is weight loss, but other factors may be contributing as well.”
Benjamin Liu, another resident physician and co-author of the ASCO study, underscores the appeal of GLP-1 drugs as a less invasive alternative to bariatric surgery. “It's very exciting to have, especially since it's a noninvasive strategy that more patients are likely to consider,” Liu says.
While further research is needed, the early findings highlight the potential of GLP-1 drugs as a transformative tool in cancer prevention, offering hope for tackling one of the most significant health challenges of our time.