GLP-1 & Cancer Risk: Obesity & Prevention
GLP-1 agonists may significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers, according to a recent study. This is the key takeaway from groundbreaking research presented at the ASCO 2025 annual meeting.Researchers observed that individuals using these medications, frequently enough prescribed for diabetes and obesity, experienced a lowered risk of specific cancers, offering a promising outlook for public health. Especially, the study highlighted a notable benefit for women, with a reduced risk of colon and rectal cancers. the data, gathered from a substantial pool of over 170,030 participants across the country between 2013 and 2023, underscores the potential of GLP-1 agonists as a preventative measure. discover more insights provided by News Directory 3, and learn what’s next in cancer prevention.
GLP-1 Agonists May Reduce Obesity-Related Cancer Risk
Updated May 28, 2025
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, already used in treating diabetes and obesity, might also offer protection against obesity-related cancers, new research suggests. The study, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 annual meeting, indicates a potential link between these medications and reduced cancer risk.
the observational study, involving 170,030 adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes across 43 U.S. health systems, compared those starting GLP-1 agonists with those starting weight-neutral DPP-4 inhibitors between 2013 and 2023. researchers found that GLP-1 agonist users had a 7% lower risk of developing any of 14 obesity-related cancers.
Lucas Mavromatis, a medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and lead investigator, characterized the findings as a “reassuring safety signal,” suggesting GLP-1 drugs are associated with a modest decrease in cancer risk, rather than an increase. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health funded the study.
The protective effect was most notable for colon and rectal cancers, with GLP-1 users experiencing a 16% and 28% reduced risk, respectively. furthermore, women on GLP-1s showed an 8% lower risk for obesity-related cancers and a 20% lower risk of death from any cause, compared to those on DPP-4 inhibitors. the study also noted an 8% overall lower risk of death from any cause among GLP-1 users.
Participants had a mean age of about 57 years and an average body mass index of 38.5. The follow-up period averaged 3.9 years, during which 2,501 new obesity-related cancers were identified in the GLP-1 group and 2,671 in the DPP-4 group.
While concerns have been raised about a possible link between GLP-1 use and pancreatic cancer due to pancreatitis being a known side effect, Mavromatis stated that epidemiological data has not supported this concern. He also noted the study found no adverse association between GLP-1 use and thyroid cancer.