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Cancer

Landmark Research Suggests Weight-Loss Drugs Could Reduce Cancer Risk by Almost Half

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The use of weight-loss drugs could revolutionise cancer prevention treatment, according to expert researchers. A landmark study found that these jabs can cut the risks of developing cancer by almost half, with potential transformative implications for preventative cancer medicine. This breakthrough research suggests that people at high risk of developing cancer could be prescribed these drugs to prevent the disease. The study's findings are being revealed at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain.

Key Takeaways:

  • Landmark research suggests that weight-loss drugs can reduce cancer risk by almost half, specifically for people at high risk of obesity-related cancer.
  • The study found that the GLP-1 jabs, used for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss, can curb hunger pangs and reduce inflammation in the body, potentially preventing tumours.
  • Cancer researcher expert Professor Mark Lawler of Queen's University Belfast stated that this data suggests that target GLP-1s may cut the risk of obesity-related cancer by nearly 50%, which would be "transformational in preventing obesity-related cancer".
  • The study's lead author, Dr Yael Wolff Sagy, said: "This is potentially very exciting news for patients who are at high risk of obesity-related cancer, and possibly even other cancers".
  • Researchers in Tel-Aviv, Israel, analysed health data on 6,356 adults treated for obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and found that drugs were 41% better at preventing weight-related cancers than bariatric surgery.
  • The study's findings suggest that GLP-1 jabs could be a "significant public health intervention" in the fight against cancer, according to Dr Matthew Harris of the University of Manchester.
  • Dr Sagy warned that the jabs are "quite expensive" and in high demand, and also carry side effects.

Statistics:

  • 21%: reduction in obesity-related cancer risk for every 1% improvement in body mass index (BMI) (Source: "Cancer risk with obesity and weight loss interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis", published in the International Journal of Obesity)
  • 50%: reduction in obesity-related cancer risk suggested by this study's findings
  • 13: number of different cancers linked to obesity
  • 6,356: number of patients analysed by the team studying the jabs
  • 64%: proportion of adults in England who were obese or overweight in 2022 (Source: NHS England)
  • 41%: improvement in preventing weight-related cancers compared to bariatric surgery

Sources:

  • Mirror, The (2023), "Weight-loss jabs could be game-changer in cancer fight, experts claim", by Martin Bagot
  • European Congress on Obesity (2023), "GLP-1 agonists: a new frontier in cancer prevention?", by Dr Yael Wolff Sagy and colleagues
  • International Journal of Obesity, "Cancer risk with obesity and weight loss interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (no date)
  • NHS England (2022), "Statistics on obesity, physical activity and diet: England, 2022"

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