A groundbreaking study presented at the European Congress on Obesity and published in The Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine reveals that weight-loss injections, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide, exenatide, and dulaglutide, can nearly halve the risk of obesity-related cancers. The Guardian

Key Findings

• Significant Cancer Risk Reduction: The study, conducted in Israel with 6,000 adults, found that patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists experienced a 41% greater reduction in obesity-related cancer risk compared to those who underwent bariatric surgery. The Jerusalem Post
• Beyond Weight Loss: While bariatric surgery patients lost more weight overall, the GLP-1 group demonstrated a more substantial decrease in cancer risk, suggesting that these medications offer additional protective benefits, possibly by reducing inflammation and enhancing immune response. The Guardian

Implications for Public Health

Experts, including Professor Mark Lawler from Queen’s University Belfast, have described the findings as “transformational,” indicating a potential shift in cancer prevention strategies. The results suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists could be integrated into public health approaches to reduce the incidence of obesity-related cancers. The Guardian

In response to these findings, a large-scale UK study funded by Cancer Research UK is planned within the next 3-5 years to further investigate the impact of GLP-1 drugs on cancer incidence. The Guardian

Conclusion

The study underscores the potential of weight-loss injections not only in managing obesity but also in significantly reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers. As research continues, GLP-1 receptor agonists may become a cornerstone in both weight management and cancer prevention strategies. The Times