GLP-1 medications, which have gained wide popularity as weight loss agents, may reduce the risk of progression of certain types of cancer. This conclusion was reached by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, who presented their findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference.
GLP-1 medications, which have recently been widely used for weight loss, may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. It should be noted right away: they cannot cure cancer.
At the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), data from a new study conducted by specialists at the Cleveland Clinic was presented. It showed that medications for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity may protect cancer patients from tumor recurrence after remission. Several GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) based medications were studied, including Ozempic, which has become particularly popular among those looking to lose weight. Their essence is that they reduce the feeling of hunger.
As explained by biologist Ancha Baranova, a professor at the School of Systems Biology at George Mason University (USA), the researchers analyzed medical records of more than 12,000 patients with several types of cancer — breast, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, liver, kidney, and non-small cell lung cancer stages I–III. Every second participant took the well-known weight loss medications, while others were prescribed a different class of antidiabetic drugs.
It turned out that those who took the well-known weight loss medications had lower disease progression rates in the overwhelming majority of cases. According to Ancha Baranova, the most noticeable reduction was found in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (10% versus 22%), breast cancer (10% versus 20%), colorectal cancer (13% versus 22%), and liver cancer (19% versus 28%).
"No, this does not mean that GLP-1 agonists can cure cancer. It confirms that insulin resistance is one of the main drivers of tumor development," emphasized the biologist in her Telegram channel.
Previously, American TV star and one of the most influential women in the U.S., Oprah Winfrey, shared her weight loss experience with a diabetes medication. She began injecting the GLP-1 based drug in 2023, after which she lost 23 kg. However, she could not get off the 'Ozempic needle.' Recently, the TV host admitted that she stopped taking the medication in 2025 and regained 9 kg by early 2026. According to her, after stopping the medication, she tried to eat healthier food but still gained weight.
Experts believe that GLP-1 medications open new avenues for research in oncology and metabolic medicine. However, doctors emphasize that using such medications without a specialist's prescription is dangerous, and their potential impact on cancer still requires additional long-term studies.
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