Cancer Concerns Spark Caution Over Weight Loss Injections
Cancer patients should seek medical advice before using weight loss injections, a leading UK charity has said.
Macmillan Cancer Support urged patients not to view these drugs as 'quick fixes', following a rise in helpline queries over whether they should take them.
Obesity is a well-established risk factor for several cancer types and is linked to worse outcomes in patients who already have a cancer diagnosis.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have seen rapid uptake for weight loss. Their popularity has helped fuel speculation that they could reduce the risk of cancer or improve outcomes in people with obesity-related cancers.
Mixed Findings on Cancer Risk and Benefits
A study published in The Lancet eClinical Medicine in May compared outcomes in patients treated with GLP-1 RAs versus bariatric surgery. The research involved 3178 age- and BMI-matched pairs in Israel.
Despite surgery achieving greater weight loss, both groups had similar rates of obesity-related cancers. The researchers suggested that there could be additional pathways beyond weight loss through which GLP-1RAs might lower cancer risk, for example by reducing inflammation.
Other experts have proposed additional pathways, including enhanced immune responses, improved insulin sensitivity, hormonal modulation, and changes to gut microbiome. As a result of the study, clinical trials of GLP-1RAs as potential anti-cancer agents are planned.
Potential Risks: Thyroid and Pancreatic Cancer
Some studies have suggested that GLP-1RAs carry a minor increase in the risk of thyroid cancer, which is one of the 13 cancers known to be linked with obesity. Some GLP-1RAs now carry warnings about this potential link, although the evidence is conflicting.
One meta-analysis of 64 studies by Italian researchers, published in March 2024, found a significant increase overall thyroid cancer risk. However, the data did not show a significant rise in papillary or medullary thyroid cancer when analysed separately.
The researchers concluded that GLP-1RA treatment could be associated with a moderate increase in the relative risk of thyroid cancer, though the absolute risk remained small. They called for longer-term studies to clarify the link.
In contrast, a Scandinavian cohort study published in April found no substantial increase in thyroid cancer risk over an average follow-up of 3.9 years. The authors said the findings did not rule out a slight increase but suggested no more than a 31% relative risk rise.
Similar concerns have been raised about a theoretical risk of pancreatic cancer, but no conclusive evidence has been found.
Macmillan Helpline Sees Spike in Inquiries
Following recent media coverage, Macmillan Cancer Support reported a surge in calls and messages about weight loss medications, including the potential risk to people with thyroid cancer.
Dr Owen Carter, Macmillan's national clinical adviser, said in a press release that there had been "a noticeable increase" in calls to the charity's free support line, alongside "a flurry of messages" on its peer-to-peer online community platform.
In response, the charity has published updated information about weight loss injections and cancer on its website.
Carter said that some callers were concerned about taking weight loss drugs while undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
While there is currently not enough evidence, "we do know that these drugs may affect how other drugs are absorbed by your body," he said. "This may include some anti-cancer drugs."
Weight Loss Before Surgery and Pre-habilitation
Other patients have asked whether weight loss medication is safe to take before surgery for cancer.
"Understandably, people are keen to do what they can to get ready for cancer treatment," Carter said.
Healthcare professionals often recommend pre-habilitation to help patients prepare for treatment by improving their fitness and overall health.
However, Carter warned against unprescribed use of weight loss injections as 'quick fixes'.
'We simply do not know enough about the long-term impact of these weight loss medications to recommend them if they're not prescribed by a specialist,' he said.
Carter also emphasised the importance of making lifestyle changes alongside use of medications.
"We know that eating well and staying as active as possible are proven to help people feel better, increase their energy levels, and strengthen their immune systems, which can help them to manage their weight and cope better with cancer treatment", he said.
Risks of Unregulated Online Purchases
Macmillan also raised concerns about people buying GLP-1 RAs online from unregulated sources.
Some patients are reported to have experienced severe side effects from counterfeit medicines. The charity urged people to speak to their GP before taking weight loss drugs.
Macmillan noted that potential side-effects of GLP-1RAs include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation, and fatigue.
They can also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. There have been reports of unplanned pregnancies occurring while taking these drugs, which may be particularly hazardous in cancer patients, as some cancer treatments are teratogenic.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
20 minutes ago
- Associated Press
New Book Leading By Example During a Crisis Spotlights Healthcare Leadership in Unprecedented Times
SAN ANGELO, TX, UNITED STATES, June 20, 2025 / / -- A compelling new title, Leading by Example During a Crisis by Erin Coakley, offers a timely exploration into what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and resilience during times of immense uncertainty. Drawing on her experience as a physician and healthcare leader during the COVID-19 pandemic, Erin Coakley delivers a deeply reflective yet practical look at leadership when it matters most. The book outlines how leading by example—through transparency, ethical decision-making, and team stewardship—can inspire trust and drive results in the most challenging environments. Through chapters such as Navigating Crisis, Contextual Leadership, and The Power of Stewardship, Erin provides readers with first-hand accounts, thoughtful analysis, and actionable strategies for rising to the occasion. Whether managing resource shortages, making high-stakes decisions, or supporting team mental health, her perspective emphasizes that strong leadership isn't just about policy—it's about presence. Written for healthcare professionals, organizational leaders, and educators, this book resonates far beyond the hospital walls. Its insights are relevant to anyone seeking to lead with purpose through adversity. Erin Coakley's message is clear: leadership in crisis is not defined by position, but by example. Leading by Example During a Crisis by Erin Coakley will be available in print and digital formats at leading online bookstores. Erin Reed Erin Reed +1 2025574257 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Bloomberg
34 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
UK Heat Wave Could Claim Nearly 600 Lives This Week, Experts Warn
Scientists have warned the elderly and other vulnerable groups in the UK are at risk of heat-related deaths this weekend, as a new study shows recent high temperatures could claim 570 lives in just over four days. Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London published on Saturday a real-time analysis calculating the number of heat-related deaths expected from Thursday to Sunday.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
With rising temperatures in North Carolina, hospitals report uptick of snake bites
CARY, N.C. (WNCN) — Hospitals throughout the central North Carolina said they're seeing more patients with snake bites walking through their doors. Raleigh native Anita McLoud went through the whole experience when she was bitten by a copperhead in her backyard. She never imagined she'd find herself calling 911 in the hospital, and with a venomous bite. After checking on her chickens during a night in August, McLoud said she turned around to walk back to her house when she had a startling surprise. 'One of the first two things I remember learning from my mom is how to identify a copperhead and how to identify poison ivy,' McLoud said. 'Those were the things you needed to know going out of the house. 'I was in my backyard,' she said. 'I had not seen a snake there in 23 years that I lived there and I was wearing flip flops.' 'My first thought was it's a stick. Within a split second, I [realized] that was not a stick. Was it a snake? I turned and there he was.' According to McLoud, medical staff measured the swelling near the bite every 30 minutes. While she never needed antivenom, doctors gave her morphine for the pain. She said the swelling, pain, and discoloration lasted around five-six weeks. 'I was fortunate that way,' McLoud said. 'They told me at the time, only 23% of people who got bit had to receive the antivenom.' According to Duke Health officials, hospitals usually see more than 100 snakebite patients per year across the health system, with the number of cases typically peaking in July. Since April, officials said emergency departments at Duke University, Duke Regional Hospital and Raleigh Regional Hospital have treated 22 bites this season, which staff said typically starts in April. Officials at WakeMed said an emergency department reported nine patients since June 1, six just between June 14 and June 17. Last year, they saw an increase from 15 patients treated for bites in June to 40 in July. UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill reported 18 patients from March to mid-June, slightly higher than the same time last year. 'The numbers increase as the weather gets warmer, especially when it's hot and more of us work/play in the yard early in the morning or in the evening—when snakes get more active, too,' staff said in a statement. Talena Chavis of Cary, the owner of NC Snake Catcher has studied snakes for nearly 30 years. She said the summer season typically comes with 8-10 calls a day, often to safely move and relocate snakes. 'I actually don't encourage folks to try to ID snakes themselves because Mother Nature throws curveballs,' Chavis said. 'Even with copperheads, the pattern changes a lot.' North Carolina has six venomous snakes. According to Chavis, the copperhead's bite is rarely fatal. 'Every season, copperheads are our number one snake,' Chavis said. 'To say that we have a surplus or even an overpopulation is not is not off topic.' Chavis believes more encounters have been attributed to more growth and development. The species has also adapted to urban and suburban areas. 'They're not really afraid of loud noises,' she said. 'They don't care about fireworks, blowers, lawnmowers. These guys just don't really care because they're an ambush predator.' According to Chavis, most bites happen during night hours when copperheads are searching for heat and their prey. Most the time, she said people just happen to get in the way. Chavis advises people to be more cautious, aware, and put on boots. 'I firmly believe if people wore their boots in the yard and watched where they put their hands, the number of copperhead bites would be cut in half,' she said. Even after her encounter, McLoud said she now works with the reptiles. 'I've really been enjoying it,' McLoud said. 'I wasn't upset with the snake. He's just doing his 'self-defense' thing. If someone stepped on me, I'd probably react as well.' Duke Health officials also continue to share more information about snakebite safety. If bitten, they said to go to your local hospital—never push off the visit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
