Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound are reshaping treatment for obesity and diabetes, and their benefits might extend further. Emerging research suggests that GLP-1 drugs could also help manage addiction, sleep apnea and even cancer.
These medications, which regulate hormones, slow digestion and reduce hunger, are showing promise in preventing cancers linked to obesity, such as breast, colon, liver, and ovarian cancers, according to research from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Dr. Arif Kamal, the chief patient officers at the American Cancer Society, noted that GLP-1 drugs might significantly lower cancer risks and provide better protection for diabetics compared to insulin.
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The ASCO research found that GLP-1 drugs could cut the risk of obesity-related cancers by 39%, compared to 22% with bariatric surgery over 10 years. Originally designed for diabetes, these drugs are now also approved for weight loss under names like Saxenda, Wegovy and Zepbound.
The link between obesity and cancer is complex, involving hormones like estrogen, which is elevated in fat cells and drives cancer growth. Kamal compared obesity’s impact on cancer to tobacco’s historical effect, emphasizing the significance of GLP-1 drugs in reducing cancer risk.
Cindy Lin, the co-author of the study, pointed out that GLP-1 drugs might offer protective effects beyond weight loss, including better glycemic control and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lauren Taylor: OZEMPIC, WEGOVY, and ZEPBOUND. THESE DRUGS HAVE ALREADY REVOLUTIONIZED TREATMENT FOR OBESITY AND DIABETES.
NOW WE’RE LEARNING THEY COULD BE USED TO TREAT OTHER life-threatening ISSUES.
IN A RECENT STUDY RELEASED IN JUNE, researchers shared some promising early trial results.
They suggest that these drugs could change how we approach cancer prevention in patients with obesity-related risks.
RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THERE IS A POTENTIAL broader impact that these drugs might have on various conditions, including addiction, AND sleep apnea.
HOW DO THEY WORK? By acting on the brain to regulate hormones, slowing digestion, and reducing hunger.
The study revealed that both bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications can dramatically reduce the risk of 13 obesity-related cancers.
For individuals who underwent bariatric surgery, the risk of developing these cancers decreased by 22% compared to those who received no treatment.
Those who’ve taken GLP-1 medications experienced a 39% reduction in risk.
THE LINK BETWEEN OBESITY & CANCER IS QUITE COMPLEX.
Obesity-related cancers often affect organs involved with digestion and metabolism, such as the liver and pancreas.
OBESITY HAS BECOME A KEY FACTOR IN RISING CANCER RATES AMONG YOUNGER ADULTS, MUCH LIKE TOBACCO WAS FOR PREVIOUS GENERATIONS.
RESEARCHERS CALL UNHEALTHY WEIGHT “THE SMOKING OF OUR GENERATION.”
RECENT STUDIES FROM American Society of Clinical Oncologists INDICATE THAT THESE DRUGS IMPACT CANCER RISK — EVEN IF PATIENTS DON’T LOSE MUCH WEIGHT SUGGESTING A COMPLEX INFLUENCE ON BODILY MECHANISMS.
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