Is this our new weapon against cancer? Researchers link famous drug's effects against widespread disease
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As time goes by, seniors have witnessed the evolution of the medical industry.
However, with these advancements, researchers also keep a close eye on these products and the possible risks they pose, especially towards seniors.
For those keeping an eye on the latest health trends, they may have heard of medications promising better disposition and physique.
Ozempic, Mounjaro, and other similar medications were initially designed to help manage diabetes.
However, these medicines became household names for their impressive physical benefits.
Thanks to its weight loss benefits, even celebrities and public figures have admitted to using these medications.
While these jabs have been hailed as a game-changer in fighting obesity, a new study uncovered a surprising twist about these medications.
According to research, these diabetes management drugs might also help against certain types of cancer.
Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
They work by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite.
This time, researchers have found out that these medications might also lower one's risk of developing obesity-related cancers.
A team of scientists from New York University's (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine recently analysed data from over 170,000 obese, diabetic patients with an average age of 57.
Over a decade-long follow-up, they compared patients taking GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro to those on another diabetes medication, like DPP-4 inhibitors.
Patients on GLP-1 agonists had a seven per cent lower risk of developing obesity-related cancers compared to those on other medications.
The most significant reductions were seen in colon cancer (16 per cent lower risk) and rectal (28 per cent lower risk) cancers.
Both types of cancer have been on the rise among people under 50.
Female participants of the study benefited more from the drug.
Obese women on GLP-1s had an eight per cent lower risk of obesity-related cancer and 20 per cent lower risk of death compared to women on DPP-4 inhibitors.
The study also looked at 14 different cancers, including those of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, ovary, and thyroid, as well as myeloma and meningiomas.
'Although obesity is now recognised as an increasingly important cause of cancer, no medications have been proven to lower the cancer risk associated with obesity,' Dr Lucas Mavromatis, the study's lead author, shared.
'Our results suggest GLP-1 agonists may modestly cut the chance of developing certain cancers—especially cancers of the colon and rectum—and reduce rates of death due to all causes.'
What's the catch?
Before rushing to your GP for Ozempic, this research is still in its early days.
The findings will be presented in full at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference.
'This trial raises an intriguing hypothesis… Though this trial does not establish causation, it hints that these drugs might have a preventative effect,' Dr Robin Zon, ASCO president, emphasised.
Obesity has been a growing problem in Australia.
Nearly two in three adult Australians are overweight or obese, putting the country among one of the highest obesity rates globally.
Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a range of cancers.
Weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery, could have a significant impact on one's overall health.
Ozempic and similar drugs could help, but they work best alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise, and regular GP check-ups.
It's best to consult with a GP about weight loss medications, especially for those with a medical history of cancer.
Have you tried Ozempic or other weight-loss medications? Did you notice any changes in your health? Are you surprised by this new research linking these medications to lower cancer risk? We would love to read your thoughts about this medication in the comments below.
However, with these advancements, researchers also keep a close eye on these products and the possible risks they pose, especially towards seniors.
For those keeping an eye on the latest health trends, they may have heard of medications promising better disposition and physique.
Ozempic, Mounjaro, and other similar medications were initially designed to help manage diabetes.
However, these medicines became household names for their impressive physical benefits.
Thanks to its weight loss benefits, even celebrities and public figures have admitted to using these medications.
While these jabs have been hailed as a game-changer in fighting obesity, a new study uncovered a surprising twist about these medications.
According to research, these diabetes management drugs might also help against certain types of cancer.
Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
They work by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite.
This time, researchers have found out that these medications might also lower one's risk of developing obesity-related cancers.
A team of scientists from New York University's (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine recently analysed data from over 170,000 obese, diabetic patients with an average age of 57.
Over a decade-long follow-up, they compared patients taking GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro to those on another diabetes medication, like DPP-4 inhibitors.
Patients on GLP-1 agonists had a seven per cent lower risk of developing obesity-related cancers compared to those on other medications.
The most significant reductions were seen in colon cancer (16 per cent lower risk) and rectal (28 per cent lower risk) cancers.
Both types of cancer have been on the rise among people under 50.
Female participants of the study benefited more from the drug.
Obese women on GLP-1s had an eight per cent lower risk of obesity-related cancer and 20 per cent lower risk of death compared to women on DPP-4 inhibitors.
The study also looked at 14 different cancers, including those of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, ovary, and thyroid, as well as myeloma and meningiomas.
'Although obesity is now recognised as an increasingly important cause of cancer, no medications have been proven to lower the cancer risk associated with obesity,' Dr Lucas Mavromatis, the study's lead author, shared.
'Our results suggest GLP-1 agonists may modestly cut the chance of developing certain cancers—especially cancers of the colon and rectum—and reduce rates of death due to all causes.'
What's the catch?
Before rushing to your GP for Ozempic, this research is still in its early days.
The findings will be presented in full at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference.
'This trial raises an intriguing hypothesis… Though this trial does not establish causation, it hints that these drugs might have a preventative effect,' Dr Robin Zon, ASCO president, emphasised.
Obesity has been a growing problem in Australia.
Nearly two in three adult Australians are overweight or obese, putting the country among one of the highest obesity rates globally.
Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a range of cancers.
Weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery, could have a significant impact on one's overall health.
Ozempic and similar drugs could help, but they work best alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise, and regular GP check-ups.
It's best to consult with a GP about weight loss medications, especially for those with a medical history of cancer.
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