New Study Finds Weight-Loss Drugs May Help Protect Women Against Cancer

GLP-1 Drugs Show Promise in Lowering Cancer Risk for Women, Study Finds

Expanding Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

The potential advantages of GLP-1 medications continue to grow. A new study has found that drugs commonly prescribed for weight loss and type 2 diabetes — known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) — may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly in women.

Study Overview

Researchers from Indiana University and the University of Florida examined electronic health records from 2014 to 2024, focusing on adults with obesity who were eligible for anti-obesity medications and had no prior cancer history. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, included 86,632 participants, nearly 70% of whom were women.

The analysis revealed that GLP-1 users had a significantly lower overall cancer risk compared to non-users. Notably, the drugs were linked to reduced rates of endometrial, ovarian, and meningioma cancers. However, the findings also indicated a slightly higher risk of kidney cancer among those taking GLP-1s.

Expert Insights

Dr. Brian Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, was not part of the study but commented on its findings. He noted that endometrial and ovarian cancers are often driven by obesity, so the association with reduced risk through GLP-1 use is “not surprising.”

“These opportunities are tremendous,” he said, adding that if future studies confirm these results, the impact would be “game-changing.”

Why Weight Loss Matters

Many women’s cancers are influenced by estrogen, which is produced by fat cells. According to Slomovitz, reducing fat decreases estrogen levels, inflammation, and insulin resistance. GLP-1s aid in this process by helping patients lose weight and improve metabolic health.

Although he doesn’t prescribe the drugs himself, Slomovitz strongly recommends them, especially for women who have completed cancer treatment. “You’ve beaten cancer,” he tells patients. “Now we need to help you live much longer.”

Caution and Next Steps

While the results are promising, researchers stress the need for long-term studies to understand the underlying mechanisms and confirm whether GLP-1s may also prevent cancer recurrence in survivors. Experts also emphasize that patients should be monitored by specialists due to potential side effects such as nausea and pancreatitis.

Looking Ahead

One exciting avenue of research involves whether GLP-1s can help preserve fertility by shrinking lesions on reproductive organs, possibly avoiding invasive surgeries like hysterectomies. Ongoing studies are also investigating their role in hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which contributes to obesity and infertility.

Slomovitz added that many of his patients report feeling lighter, more energetic, and motivated to adopt healthier lifestyles while taking these medications. “GLP-1s are here to stay,” he said, predicting that the next generation of these drugs will only expand their benefits for patients.