Researchers followed over 6,000 individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, comparing those who underwent surgery to those treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists – a class of medications that includes liraglutide and exenatide.
None had been diagnosed with cancer at the start.
After tracking them for up to eight years, the number of obesity-related cancer cases in each group was nearly the same, despite surgery’s superior weight-loss results.
Weight loss wasn’t the only factor
Initially, it seemed surgery and GLP-1 drugs offered similar protection against cancer.
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But when scientists adjusted their analysis to account for the actual amount of weight each patient lost, a surprising trend appeared.
Those using GLP-1 medications showed a 41 % lower risk of developing obesity-related cancers than those who had surgery – even though they lost less weight.
This suggests that GLP-1 drugs provide protective effects that go beyond just helping patients slim down.
What’s behind the cancer protection?
The exact mechanism isn’t clear yet, but one theory points to reduced inflammation in the body. Researchers believe this may play a role in lowering cancer risk.
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Among the most common cancers observed were postmenopausal breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and uterine cancer – all known to be linked with obesity.
While the findings are promising, scientists caution that further studies are needed.
This article is based on findings from Eurekalert.org.