Understanding Weight Loss Drugs
- “Bachelorette” alum Katie Thurston, 35, has shared that while her mom was interested in GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for potential health benefits, it wasn’t an option due to limited data, highlighting ongoing questions about weight loss drug use in breast cancer care and survivorship.
- Experts say GLP‑1 agonists offer broad health benefits—including improved metabolic control and lower risk of weight‑related conditions.
- Weight loss of more than 10%—whether through bariatric surgery (procedures that reduce stomach size) or GLP‑1 medications like Wegovy or Ozempic—has been linked to modest reductions in obesity‑related cancer risk, according to a new study released in JAMA. However, researchers say more randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm the effect.
- Dr. Neil Iyengar tells SurvivorNet, “Diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are essential for maintaining a healthy weight, but reaching that level of weight loss can be incredibly difficult for many. That’s why the discussion also includes tools like GLP-1 receptor agonists and bariatric surgery [weight loss surgery], which can help support the kind of significant weight loss associated with lowering cancer risk.”
- SurvivorNet’s sister site, SNWeightloss, provides a wide range of expert-driven resources on GLP-1 medications, including how they function, their potential uses, side effects, and emerging research that continues to offer hope for people managing weight loss while also potentially lowering cancer risk.
Bachelorette alum Katie Thurston, who recently underwent a double mastectomy [surgical removal of both breasts] in her ongoing fight against stage four metastatic breast cancer, has offered some insight into her thoughts on GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), after her mother was denied access to the drugs.
According to People, Thurston recently took to her Instagram Broadcast Channel—aptly named “Boobie Broadcast“—to share that her now-breast cancer free mom was interested in trying a GLP-1, but learned it wasn’t an option for her. Read More“In fact, I know plenty of people actively incorporating that into their health plan. However, when my mom inquired for herself, her oncologist denied her request since there ‘isn’t enough data.’ I was shocked.”
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The wife of comedian Jeff Arcuri and dog mom to her adorable rescue Charlie added, “I know my mom will benefit, but I’m in uncharted waters here.”
Thurston’s remarks about GLP-1s serve as a reminder that researchers are continuing to uncover important connections between weight and cancer risk.
A study published in JAMA highlights the powerful connection between obesity and cancer: obesity is linked to roughly 10% of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States each year, and for certain cancer types, it may be a contributing factor in nearly half of all diagnoses.
For oncologists, the findings provide a more nuanced view of what counts as meaningful weight loss.
“One of the biggest takeaways from this paper is that people with classical obesity often need to lose more than 10% of their body weight to meaningfully reduce cancer risk,” Dr. Neil Iyengar, Associate Professor, Co-director of Breast Medical Oncology, and Director of Cancer Survivorship at Emory Winship Cancer Institute, tells SurvivorNet.
“Diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are essential for maintaining a healthy weight, but reaching that level of weight loss can be incredibly difficult for many. That’s why the discussion also includes tools like GLP-1 receptor agonists and bariatric surgery [weight loss surgery], which can help support the kind of significant weight loss associated with lowering cancer risk.”
Iyengar is open to the idea of testing the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists in oncology and figuring out how safe they are in battling cancer, previously telling SurvivorNet, “I don’t think that there’s mechanistically anything that’s particularly worrisome. GLP-1 agonists do a lot of things that we don’t fully understand yet.”
Dr. Samantha Newman, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, also spoke with SurvivorNet on this matter, explaining, “GLPs are amazing medications. They change people’s lives in terms of cardiac risk and diabetes. They have widespread benefits.”
WATCH: The Key Factors For Weight Loss On New Blockbuster Drugs
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic work through mechanisms that extend beyond the scale. Dr. Holly Lofton, Director of the Medical Weight Management Program at NYU Langone in Manhattan, points to a broad range of documented benefits.
“Some of the benefits for using GLP-1 agonists can be weight loss, improvement in glycemic control or blood glucose, decreased risk of weight-related conditions such as various cancers, like breast cancer, endometrial cancer, colon cancer, liver disease,” Dr. Lofton tells SurvivorNet.
SurvivorNet’s sister website, SNWeightloss, offers a ton of helpful resources and physician expertise on GLP-1s, including how they work, how they can be used, their known side effects, and the latest research offering added hope for people on their weight-loss journeys while reducing their cancer risk.
Body weight can be a sensitive subject for many people on any given day. However, among cancer patients whose treatment and diagnosis may influence their weight, the numbers on the scale fuel an already emotional journey.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “Being overweight or having obesity are linked with a higher risk of getting 13 types of cancer.”
WATCH: NYU’s Dr. Holly Lofton explains what we do know about GLP-1RAs and cancer risk
Research published in the journal “Cancers” says that “obesity also increases the risk of dying from cancer and may influence the treatment choices. About 4–8% of all cancers are attributed to obesity.”
Some of the cancers associated with being overweight or obese include:
- Colon
- Breast
- Ovarian
- Esophagus
- Pancreatic
- Multiple myeloma
- Endometrial
- Liver
WATCH: Living a healthy lifestyle.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), fat tissue “produces excess amounts of estrogen,” which is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. The NCI says a person who is severely obese is “7 times” more likely to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
Obesity is associated with high levels of insulin, which can lead to colon, kidney, prostate, and endometrial cancer.
Obesity can affect cancer survivors in various ways, including the chance of cancer recurrence and overall quality of life.
To learn more about your ideal healthy weight, determine your body mass index (BMI).
Body weight exceeding what body mass index deems appropriate for your height and weight can help determine body fat content. Although your BMI can help you determine whether you are at a healthy weight, underweight, overweight, or obese, other factors may also affect your overall health.
The NCI analyzed several studies to observe the impact of physical activity on overall cancer risk. The NCI says that “higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower risk of several types of cancer.”
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management are some ways people can lead a healthy life. For cancer survivors, a healthier lifestyle alongside getting regular checks for recurrence may improve their quality of life.
How GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Work
GLP-1 RAs mimic a hormone your body naturally makes (called glucagon-like peptide-1) that helps regulate blood sugar and feelings of hunger. Initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels, these medications were later found to have an impressive effect on appetite control. As a result, many people who take them lose significant amounts of weight.
“GLP-1 … is a hormone that is secreted in the L cells of the intestines, and we all make GLP-1 after we start to eat a meal,” Dr. Lofton explained. “After food reaches the stomach, the stomach sends GLP-1 to the brain to sense hunger is no longer present and the person starts to feel more full. In the hypothalamus, specifically of the brain, once the brain receives that GLP-1, it sends a message to the person to stop eating.”
The native GLP-1 that our bodies make and the GLP-1 agonists go to the brain and block appetite signals, go to the stomach to help it empty more slowly, and help shrink fat cells, Dr. Lofton added.
And weight reduction is not the only effect these medications may have.
Researchers are learning that GLP-1 RAs could also influence other behaviors — such as smoking or alcohol use — and possibly reduce certain health risks that come with obesity. In fact, several large studies show that people taking GLP-1 RAs have better heart health, lower rates of kidney problems, and may even be less likely to develop some types of cancer.
Should You Consider a GLP-1 RA?
Deciding on a weight loss approach — whether it’s lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgery — is highly personal. Some points to consider with your healthcare team include:
- Your Overall Health: Do you have type 2 diabetes or other chronic conditions affected by weight? GLP-1 RAs can improve blood sugar control and lower cardiovascular risks, in addition to promoting weight loss.
- Cancer Risks: If you have a strong family history or other risk factors for obesity-related cancers, long-term medication use might offer extra benefits — but the evidence, while promising, is still growing.
- Commitment and Cost: These medications often need to be taken indefinitely to maintain weight loss. Make sure you feel comfortable with the potential side effects, follow-up visits, and ongoing costs.
- Alternatives: Bariatric surgery [weight loss surgery], structured lifestyle changes, and other treatments may also reduce cancer risk and help you lose weight. Talk with your doctor about which option is best suited to your overall health and personal goals.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are powerful tools in the fight against obesity. Emerging research suggests they may also help reduce the risk of certain cancers that are tied to excess weight, potentially to a degree that mirrors — or, in some aspects, surpasses — bariatric surgery. However, questions remain about long-term adherence, muscle loss, side effects, and whether the benefits persist after stopping the medication.
If you’re considering a GLP-1 RA, it’s crucial to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about the benefits, risks, and costs of treatment. Together, you can map out a plan that helps you achieve healthier weight control, lowers your risk for certain obesity-related cancers, and enhances your overall well-being for the long run.
Katie Thurston’s Mom’s Battle With Breast Cancer
Thurston’s mom, who has since been declared “cancer free” was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of this year.
In a January 19th Instagram post, Thurston informed her fans, “Life update: my mom has #breastcancer. I flew to Seattle this weekend to be with her at her first appointment. I want to make sure she is getting proper care and information. I hate that we have to be our biggest advocate but also, it’s what will save your life.
“Dense breasts need more than a mammogram to screen for cancer and yet somehow my mom had never been referred for further imaging. We are getting more answers today but I believe our own advocacy allowed us to catch this early.”
After her mom was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, she underwent a lumpectomy and 21 rounds of radiation therapy to beat the disease.
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As for Thurston’s ongoing battle with HR+/HER2‑ metastatic breast cancer, she recently underwent a double mastectomy, and her ongoing treatment regimen includes three key medications:
- Kisqali (ribociclib): Approved by the FDA in 2017, this targeted therapy is used in combination with endocrine therapy to treat HR+/HER2- breast cancer. It works by slowing the progression of cancer, offering a more tolerable alternative to traditional chemotherapy.
- Lupron (leuprolide): A hormone therapy injection that lowers estrogen levels in the body, helping to prevent the cancer from growing.
- Letrozole: An aromatase inhibitor that reduces the body’s estrogen production, commonly used in postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
Remember, although stage 4 breast cancer is not curable, several treatment options exist that can extend the life of patients.
Treatment options depend on the stage, type of primary breast cancer, and whether hormone receptors are positive.
Treatment can include a combination of:
- Chemotherapy: Oral or IV medications that are toxic to tumor cells
- Hormonal therapies: Drugs that lower estrogen levels or block estrogen receptors from allowing the cancer cells to grow
- Targeted therapies: Drugs that target your tumor’s specific gene mutations
- Immunotherapy: Medications that stimulate your immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells
- Radiation: The use of high-energy rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors
- Surgery: To remove a cancerous tumor or lymph nodes (uncommon with stage IV; more common in stages I, II, and III)
- Clinical trials: Studies of new medications, treatments, and other therapies offer hope for better outcomes.
If you’re considering a mastectomy, it can be helpful to go into the conversation with your doctor prepared.
SurvivorNet’s proprietary AI tool, “My Health Questions,” can support you along the way by providing evidence‑based answers aligned with cancer treatment guidelines and informed by oncologists across multiple specialties.
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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