Can GLP-1s reduce the risk of obesity-related cancer?

I’ve written a lot about the new glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs.

These drugs can improve multiple aspects of your health—cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, and more. (Click here to read more.)

Of course, throughout my career, I have seen similar disease risk reductions among those who lose weight and learn effective weight management skills.

That’s why I’m not entirely convinced the drugs are responsible for these health benefits. I think it’s the weight loss.

Regardless of how you achieve that weight loss, the potential health benefits are huge.

And that brings me to today’s topic: Lessening your risk of obesity-related cancer.

Slash your cancer risk

A new study of more than 1.6 million Type 2 diabetes patients found that GLP-1 drugs helped reduce risk of 10 out of 13 obesity-related cancers, compared to insulin users.

This applied to cancers of the esophagus, colon, endometrium, gallbladder, kidney, liver, ovaries, pancreas, as well as meningioma and multiple myeloma.

It turns out that these drugs have unexpected effects on modulating immune functions linked to obesity-associated cancer. They also enhance insulin sensitivity and lower insulin levels—both of which can hinder cancer cell growth and spread.

(This is exactly why so many people take Type 2 diabetes medications, including metformin, as part of an anti-aging regimen.)

Another study found that Type 2 diabetics on GLP-1 medications had a 44 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to insulin users—and a 25 percent reduced risk compared to those taking metformin.

This research even suggested greater risk reductions among overweight or obese subjects, highlighting the fact that use of a GLP-1 drug slashed their colorectal cancer risk nearly in half.

All paths lead to here

These findings are fascinating. And I love sharing good news with you.

But, here again, I would be remiss not to mention that you don’t HAVE to turn to these drugs. Because do you know what else significantly lowers cancer risk and improves overall health?

Leading a healthy lifestyle.

More specifically, eating a proper diet and getting enough exercise. (I talk about this in my YouTube video series, The Dr. Fred Show.)

It’s no secret that being overweight or obese—or having higher levels of body fat—translates to an increased risk of disease, including cancer.

But I’m not a fan of Big Pharma’s drug-pushing tactics. I will always advocate for lifestyle prescriptions first before turning to a drug.

That said, GLP-1 drugs continue to impress me—they could in fact be revolutionary if used correctly. They can certainly help patients who aren’t successful mitigating disease risk with lifestyle. And so far, these drugs appear to be safe.

So, if you decide to give GLP-1s a try, I support your decision—as long as you discuss your concerns and health goals with a trusted physician. (It’s time for modern medicine to get, well, modern!)

Not to mention their association to markedly decreased risks for obesity-related cancer, on top of the other health benefits we’re seeing, certainly makes them a powerful tool for some people.

P.S. To learn some simple, science-based strategies to help reduce your cancer risk through lifestyle interventions, check out my online learning tool, my Essential Cancer Protocol. Click here now!

Source:

“New Weight Loss Drugs May Fight Obesity-Related Cancer, Too.” Medscape, 01/04/2025. (medscape.com/viewarticle/new-weight-loss-drugs-may-fight-obesity-related-cancer-too-2025a10000s4)