It turns out that one of the most popular weight loss pills is not only to help you lose extra weight, but it can also provide you with some other benefits.Recent studies have shown that Ozempic and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists may have surprising anti-cancer effects and may reduce the risk of certain cancers, especially those associated with obesity.These drugs are primarily used in type 2 diabetes and weight loss and show promise in restoring the function of natural killer cells, which is crucial to combating cancer.Continue reading to learn more.
What does the research say?
Recent studies have shown that weight loss injections called GLP-1 receptor agonists may provide significant anti-cancer benefits beyond their role in weight loss. Although there is established evidence to link weight loss to a reduced risk of cancer, the study suggests that the injection itself may have a more direct effect.The researchers believe that the potential anti-cancer effects may be attributed to the drug’s ability to reduce inflammation. Among the various GLP-1 receptor agonists, the updated formulation is believed to have the most substantial effect. These drugs can suppress appetite, which helps people achieve weight loss. They are available for individuals with higher BMI through the NHS or privately available.However, experts stress that additional research is crucial to a comprehensive understanding of the link between weight loss injections and cancer prevention. Notable GLP-1 receptor agonists include semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic), Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), Liraglutide (Saxenda), and Exenatide, which have been terminated.
Overweight or obesity is the second major cause of cancer in the UK, causing more than 20 cancer cases. Risks escalate with higher obesity levels and excessive weight duration. Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with a reduced risk of 13 different types of cancer, including breast, intestinal, pancreas, esophageal and gallbladder cancer.this studyAccording to The Guardian, it was published in the magazine “eclinicalmedicine” at the European Obesity Conference in Malaga. It reveals that first generation of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as lilatin and enamide, may confer anticancer benefits beyond weight loss. The study showed that the incidence of obesity-related cancers was similar in patients treated with these drugs and those undergoing bariatric surgery.
Discovery and insights:
Yael Wolff Sagy, co-leader writer at Clalit Health Services at Tel-Aviv, commented on the findings that GLP-1 receptor agonists are “more effective at preventing obesity-related cancers 41%”. She stressed that although the exact mechanism of GLP-1 is not fully understood, the study adds to increasing evidence that weight loss alone does not cover all the metabolic and anti-cancer benefits of these drugs.In this study, the researchers analyzed electronic health records in obese individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes, all without prior cancer history, who had received first-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist. During the 7.5-year average follow-up period, 298 patients were diagnosed with obesity-related cancers, breast, intestinal and uterine cancers most prevalent.The analysis found that among the 3178 patients undergoing bariatric surgery, 150 had obesity-related cancers, while 148 of the 3178 patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonist emphasized the relative effectiveness of bariatric surgery in reducing cancer risk. However, further studies have shown that GLP-1 drugs have a direct role in minimizing obesity-related cancers, with a relative risk of 41% lower than bariatric surgery.
Dror Dicker, co-director of Hasharon Hospital of Rabin Medical Center in Israel, notes that GLP-1 receptor agonists have multifaceted protective effects on obesity-related cancers, attributed them to various mechanisms, including reducing inflammation. He noted that the long-term follow-up of the study allowed a unique comparison of the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and surgical interventions, especially considering the long-term latency associated with cancer.The next generation of GLP-1 receptor agonists show greater efficacy in weight loss and may have more advantages in reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers. However, further research is necessary to ensure that these drugs do not inadvertently increase the risk of obesity-related cancers.Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiac metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, highlighted the need for large trials and matching similar studies to investigate these theories. He warned that although the findings of this study are fascinating, they do not provide clear evidence about the link between idiostatin-based therapy and cancer risk due to their observational design and significant baseline differences between the two groups.Sattar advocates for larger outcome trials and placebo controls to gain a clearer understanding of the link between these drugs and cancer risk, suggesting that several such studies may yield results over the next five years.
Here is a more detailed look:
Reduces the risk of obesity-related cancers: Research shows that GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy may reduce the risk of certain obesity-related cancers, including colorectal cancer, esophagus, endometrium, gallbladder, kidney, liver, liver, ovarian, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer.
Potential mechanism: A key finding is that these drugs may restore the function of weakened natural killer cells in obese individuals. Natural killer cells play a crucial role in fighting cancer by identifying and destroying cancer cells. Experts believe that Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, may improve the function of these cells, which may reduce cancer risk.Beyond Weight Loss: The anticancer effects of GLP-1 drugs are not only attributed to weight loss. The researchers believe that these drugs may reduce inflammation and help the immune system destroy cancer cells before they form a tumor. This suggests that GLP-1 drugs can play a broader role in preventing cancer and even potentially treating them. More research is needed: Although these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the potential anti-cancer benefits of GLP-1 drugs. Research is underway to explore mechanisms where these drugs can reduce cancer risk and to determine the best way to use them for cancer prevention and treatment.
