Research Findings
A study presented at the European Congress on Obesity and published in eClinicalMedicine found , used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes, could significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers.
Over a median follow-up of 7.5 years, 298 participants developed obesity-related cancers, with rates similar between those treated with GLP-1 drugs and those who underwent bariatric surgery. However, accounting for the weight loss efficacy of surgery, GLP-1 drugs were 41% more effective in preventing such cancers.
Expert Opinions and Future Directions
Experts emphasize the potential of GLP-1 drugs in cancer prevention, noting the need for further research to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms behind the anti-cancer effects. There's a call for large-scale clinical trials to explore these benefits.
The study's implications suggest a transformative approach to preventing obesity-related cancers, with GLP-1 drugs offering benefits beyond weight loss. This could herald a new era in preventive medicine, targeting both obesity and its associated cancer risks.