Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke
In a groundbreaking revelation, recent research has unveiled that GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications initially celebrated for their role in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, may hold a surprising key to reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers. These drugs, including well-known names like liraglutide, exenatide, and dulaglutide, are now being hailed as potential game-changers in preventive oncology, offering hope to millions battling obesity and its associated health risks. This discovery, emerging from a comprehensive study by Clalit Health Services in Israel, could redefine how we approach cancer prevention in high-risk populations.
A New Frontier in Cancer Prevention
Obesity is a global health crisis, with the World Health Organization estimating that over 1 billion people worldwide are living with this condition, 70% of whom reside in low- and middle-income countries. It’s no secret that excess body fat is a significant risk factor for numerous cancers, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, and pancreatic cancers. The National Cancer Institute notes that obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer, contributing to approximately 40% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States alone. Against this backdrop, the findings from the Clalit Health Services study, published on May 11, 2025, in a leading medical journal, are nothing short of revolutionary.
The study analyzed health records of 6,356 individuals aged 24 and older, all diagnosed with obesity and type 2 diabetes but with no prior history of cancer. With a mean body mass index (BMI) of 41.5—well above the obesity threshold of 30—and an average age of 52, the cohort was evenly split: half received GLP-1 drugs for at least six months, while the other half underwent bariatric surgery, a gold-standard intervention for significant weight loss. The results were striking: GLP-1 drugs were associated with a 41% lower relative risk of obesity-related cancers compared to bariatric surgery, despite the latter group achieving greater weight loss.
Beyond Weight Loss: A Deeper Mechanism
What makes these findings particularly intriguing is the suggestion that GLP-1 drugs offer benefits beyond their weight-loss effects. Bariatric surgery patients in the study lost more weight on average, yet the cancer incidence rates were comparable between the two groups—150 cases among 3,178 surgery patients versus 148 cases among 3,178 GLP-1 users. This parity prompted researchers to dig deeper, revealing that weight loss alone doesn’t fully explain the drugs’ protective effects. “It’s not just about shedding pounds,” said Dr. Dror Dicker, lead investigator from Tel Aviv School of Medicine, during a briefing at the European Congress on Obesity in May 2025. “There’s something unique about GLP-1 receptor agonists that seems to confer additional protection.”
Experts hypothesize that these drugs may exert anti-inflammatory effects or influence cellular processes like apoptosis (programmed cell death), which could inhibit cancer development. Unlike bariatric surgery, which primarily addresses weight, GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone that regulates appetite, slows digestion, and enhances feelings of fullness. Their systemic effects on metabolism and inflammation may target cancer pathways directly, offering a dual benefit for obesity management and cancer prevention. However, Dr. Dicker cautioned that these findings are observational and require prospective studies to confirm the mechanisms at play.
The Rising Popularity of GLP-1 Drugs
GLP-1 drugs have surged in popularity over the past decade, transforming the landscape of obesity and diabetes treatment. Medications like Wegovy (semaglutide), approved by the FDA in 2021 for weight loss, and Saxenda (liraglutide), approved in 2014, have become household names. A 2025 report by Ozmosi forecasts one to two new GLP-1 drug launches annually starting in 2026, with an oral version expected by 2027. By 2030, an18 predicts that one in eight American adults have used a GLP-1 drug, with projections suggesting one in ten will be by the end of the decade.
This widespread adoption is driven by the drugs’ efficacy—Saxenda, for instance, can achieve a 7% weight reduction over a year, while newer drugs like Wegovy boast even higher efficacy. Yet, their high cost, often exceeding $1,000 per month, poses a significant barrier. The recent decision by CVS Caremark, the largest pharmacy benefit manager in the U.S., to designate Wegovy as the preferred GLP-1 drug on its commercial formularies effective July 1, 2025, signals growing insurance support, potentially easing access for millions.
Broader Health Benefits and Policy Implications
The Clalit study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting GLP-1 drugs offer benefits beyond weight loss and diabetes control. A January 2025 study in Nature Medicine, analyzing 200,000 U.S. veterans, linked GLP-1 drugs to a 10-20% reduced risk of 42 health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, heart attacks, and substance abuse. Another meta-analysis of 26 clinical trials, published in April 2025, found a slight reduction in dementia risk among GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes. These findings underscore the drugs’ potential as multifaceted therapeutic agents, prompting calls for expanded research into their applications.
However, the high cost of GLP-1 drugs has sparked intense debate over insurance coverage. A Peterson-KFF tracker estimates the average annual cost per patient at $12,000, straining state Medicaid programs and private insurers. In April 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced they would not cover these drugs for obesity under Medicare Part D, citing concerns over cost and long-term efficacy. This decision has drawn criticism from advocates like Tracy Zvenyach of the Obesity Action Coalition, who argue that covering these drugs could reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing costly complications like cancer and heart disease.
Challenges and Cautions
Despite their promise, GLP-1 drugs are not without risks. Common side effects include nausea and constipation, though these are often temporary, according to Dr. Chika Anekwe of Harvard Medical School. More serious concerns include potential risks of kidney, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal issues, as noted in a January 2025 study by Washington University Medicine. Additionally, high discontinuation rates—often due to cost or side effects—can lead to rapid weight regain, underscoring the need for sustainable access and support.
The observational nature of the Clalit study also warrants caution. Dr. Dicker emphasized the potential for confounding factors, urging further research to validate whether GLP-1 drugs definitively outperform bariatric surgery in cancer prevention. Emerging data on newer, more potent GLP-1 drugs suggest even greater potential, but researchers warn that long-term studies are needed to ensure these drugs do not inadvertently increase risks for non-obesity-related cancers.
A Call for Holistic Health Strategies
While GLP-1 drugs offer a promising tool, experts stress that they are not a panacea. A healthy lifestyle—encompassing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep—remains a cornerstone of obesity management and cancer prevention. The Mediterranean diet, linked to reduced obesity-related cancer risk in a February 2025 study, exemplifies the power of dietary interventions. Integrating GLP-1 drugs with lifestyle changes could amplify their benefits, creating a synergistic approach to health.
Looking Ahead
The discovery that GLP-1 drugs may significantly reduce obesity-related cancer risk marks a pivotal moment in medical science. As research progresses, these medications could shift from being primarily weight-loss aids to critical components of preventive oncology. For the millions living with obesity, this offers a beacon of hope—not just for a healthier weight but for a future with fewer cancer diagnoses. Yet, the path forward demands rigorous research, equitable access, and a commitment to holistic health strategies to fully realize this potential.
As Dr. Yael Wolff Sagy, a co-author of the Clalit study, aptly stated, “Weight loss alone cannot completely account for the health benefits of these drugs.” With continued innovation and policy support, GLP-1 drugs could redefine the fight against obesity and its deadly complications, saving countless lives in the process.
