Ozempic has surprising anti-cancer effect, researchers have found

Turns out, one of the most popular weight loss drugs is not just helping you shed the extra pounds, but also might be serving you with some other benefits as well.


Recent studies suggest that Ozempic and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists may have surprising anti-cancer effects, potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers, especially those linked to obesity.

These drugs, primarily used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, have shown promise in restoring the function of natural killer cells, which are crucial for fighting cancer.


Read on to know more.


What does the research say?

Recent research indicates that weight loss injections, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, may offer significant anti-cancer benefits beyond their role in facilitating weight reduction. While there is established evidence linking weight loss to a decreased risk of cancer, this study suggests that the injections themselves may exert a more direct influence.

Researchers propose that the potential anti-cancer effects may be attributed to these medications' capacity to reduce inflammation. Among the various GLP-1 receptor agonists, newer formulations are believed to have the most substantial effects. These medications suppress appetite, thereby aiding individuals in achieving weight loss. They are available through the NHS for individuals with a high BMI and can also be acquired privately.

Nevertheless, experts emphasize that additional research is essential to comprehensively understand the connection between weight loss injections and cancer prevention. Noteworthy GLP-1 receptor agonists include semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), liraglutide (Saxenda), and exenatide, the latter of which has been discontinued.


Being overweight or obese is the second leading cause of cancer in the UK, responsible for over one in 20 cancer cases. The risk escalates with higher levels of obesity and longer duration of excess weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with reduced risks for 13 distinct types of cancer, including breast, bowel, pancreatic, esophageal, and gallbladder cancers.

The study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, as reported by The Guardian, was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga. It revealed that first-generation GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide and exenatide, may confer anti-cancer benefits that extend beyond weight loss. The research indicated similar rates of obesity-related cancer among patients treated with these drugs and those undergoing bariatric surgery.


The findings and insights:

Co-lead author Dr. Yael Wolff Sagy from Clalit Health Services in Tel-Aviv commented on the findings, noting that GLP-1 receptor agonists were “41 percent more effective at preventing obesity-related cancer.” She emphasized that while the exact mechanisms of GLP-1s are not yet fully understood, this research adds to growing evidence that weight loss alone does not encompass all the metabolic and anti-cancer benefits of these medications.

In this study, researchers analyzed electronic health records of obese individuals and those with type 2 diabetes, all without prior cancer history, who had been treated with first-generation GLP-1 receptor agonists. Over an average follow-up period of 7.5 years, 298 patients were diagnosed with obesity-related cancers, with breast, bowel, and womb cancers being the most prevalent.

The analysis found that 150 out of 3,178 patients who underwent bariatric surgery developed obesity-related cancer, compared to 148 out of 3,178 patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, highlighting the relative effectiveness of bariatric surgery in reducing cancer risk. However, further investigation suggested that GLP-1 drugs demonstrated a direct effect in minimizing obesity-related cancers, showing a 41 percent lower relative risk compared to bariatric surgery.



Co-lead author Professor Dror Dicker from Hasharon Hospital, Rabin Medical Centre in Israel, remarked on the multifaceted protective effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists against obesity-related cancers, attributing them to various mechanisms, including inflammation reduction. He noted that the long-term follow-up of the study allowed for a unique comparison of the effects between GLP-1 receptor agonists and surgical intervention, particularly considering the long latency periods associated with cancer.

Newer generation GLP-1 receptor agonists, which display greater efficacy in weight reduction, may offer additional advantages in decreasing the risk of obesity-related cancers; however, further research is warranted to ensure that these drugs do not inadvertently elevate the risk for non-obesity-related cancers.

Naveed Sattar, a professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, emphasized the need for larger trials with carefully matched cohorts to investigate these theories. He cautioned that while the findings of this study are intriguing, they do not provide definitive proof regarding the connection between incretin-based therapies and cancer risk, due to their observational design and significant baseline differences among the groups. Sattar advocated for larger outcome trials versus placebo controls to gain a clearer understanding of the links between these medications and cancer risk, suggesting that several such studies may yield results in the next five years.


Here's a more detailed look:

Reduced risk of obesity-related cancers: Studies have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy, may reduce the risk of developing certain obesity-related cancers, including colorectal, esophageal, endometrial, gallbladder, kidney, liver, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers.


Potential mechanism: One key finding is that these drugs may restore the function of natural killer cells, which are weakened 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, potentially reducing cancer risk.

Beyond weight loss: The anti-cancer effects of GLP-1 drugs are not solely attributed to weight loss. Researchers believe that these drugs may reduce inflammation and help the immune system destroy cancer cells before they form tumors. This suggests that GLP-1 drugs could play a broader role in cancer prevention and potentially even treatment.

More research needed: While the findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the potential anti-cancer benefits of GLP-1 drugs. Studies are ongoing to explore the mechanisms by which these drugs may reduce cancer risk and to determine the best ways to utilize them in cancer prevention and treatment.