Weight loss injections may have an anti-cancer effect ‘beyond weight loss'
Weight loss injections may have a powerful anti-cancer effect, new research suggests.
Experts already know that losing weight reduces the risk of cancer, but now they think weight-loss jabs may have a role beyond simply helping people shed pounds.
This may be because weight loss jabs cut inflammation, researchers said, with newer drugs possibly having the biggest effect.
However, one expert said much more research is needed.
Weight loss jabs, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by reducing food cravings.
Major names of GLP-1 receptor agonists, some of which are used to treat diabetes, include semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), liraglutide (Saxenda) and exenatide (a drug which has now been discontinued).
The new research, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga.
This study adds to the growing evidence showing that weight loss alone cannot completely account for the metabolic, anti-cancer, and many other benefits that these medications provide
It found that first generation GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide and exenatide may have anti-cancer benefits beyond weight loss.
Researchers first of all discovered similar rates of obesity-related cancer among patients treated with the drugs and those given bariatric surgery.
Co-lead author, Dr Yael Wolff Sagy from Clalit Health Services in Tel-Aviv, Israel, said they also found a 'direct effect' of GLP-1 receptor agonists beyond weight-loss 'to be 41% more effective at preventing obesity-related cancer'.
She added: 'We do not yet fully understand how GLP-1s work, but this study adds to the growing evidence showing that weight loss alone cannot completely account for the metabolic, anti-cancer, and many other benefits that these medications provide.'
Keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer, including breast, bowel, pancreatic, oesophageal and gallbladder cancer.
The protective effects of GLP1-RAs against obesity-related cancers likely arise from multiple mechanisms, including reducing inflammation
In the new study, researchers analysed electronic health record data for obese people and those with type 2 diabetes, all with no prior history of cancer, who were treated with first-generation GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Over a typical follow-up of 7.5 years, 298 patients were diagnosed with obesity-related cancer, most commonly breast, bowel and womb cancer.
The analysis found that obesity-related cancer occurred in 150 of 3,178 bariatric surgery patients and in 148 of 3,178 patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, despite the 'relative advantage' of bariatric surgery in weight reduction, which is already known to cut cancer risk.
Further analysis suggested GLP drugs had a direct effect on reducing obesity-related cancer beyond weight-loss, with a 41% lower relative risk compared to bariatric surgery.
Co-lead author, Professor Dror Dicker from Hasharon Hospital, Rabin Medical Centre in Israel, said: 'The protective effects of GLP1-RAs against obesity-related cancers likely arise from multiple mechanisms, including reducing inflammation.
'Our study is unique in that the long-term follow-up allowed us to compare the effects of GLP1-RAs and surgery with potential long latency periods of cancer.
'New generation, highly potent GLP1-RAs with higher efficacy in weight reduction may convey an even greater advantage in reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers, but future research is needed to make sure that these drugs do not increase the risk for non–obesity-related cancers.'
Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, said larger trials with carefully matched groups of people were needed to test the theory.
'This study, whilst interesting, cannot confirm or refute any links of incretin-based therapies with cancer as the design was not a trial but rather observational, and there were quite marked differences between the groups in baseline characteristics that simply cannot be matched,' he said.
'It is better to wait to see further large outcome trials versus placebo to get closer to the truth.'
He said larger trials 'are needed to understand links between such medicines and cancer risks, and several should report over the next five years.'
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The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I've lost 3.8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had bad hair loss & another VERY unexpected side effect I'm not coping well with
A MOTHER has revealed that despite losing over three stone thanks to Mounjaro, she has been hit with some unfortunate side effects. Chloe Mckernan, 32, a mum-of-two from Glasgow who is currently on her 'glow up journey', got candid on the side effects, which are not limited to Advertisement 4 A mum-of-two has explained that in addition to hair loss, she has experienced a very unexpected side effect since using Mounjaro Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Chloe claimed that since using Mounjaro, her new hairs have been growing in GREY Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The brunette, who recently opened up on dealing with a Posting on social media, Chloe, who has the 'confidence to wear shorts again', revealed that she has lost 3 stone 8 lbs since using The young woman confirmed that as a result of taking Sun GP Advertisement Read more on fat jabs But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' In recent clips shared online, Chloe discussed the side effects she has experienced since taking As she held a huge pile of Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive 'I'm actually really scared to get my hair done on Thursday because I don't know how much of my actual hair I've got left. I'm actually so scared.' As she showed off her natural hair underneath her extensions, she added: 'My hair has been really bad. I don't have much hair underneath, my hair is getting really Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons While hair loss isn't a direct side effect listed in Mounjaro's package insert, a 2022 clinical trial showed that 4.9% to 5.7% of participants taking Mounjaro reported hair loss, compared to 0.9% in the placebo group, This is usually a result of a rapid Advertisement Not only this, but in All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that Chloe Mckernan The mother said: 'So obviously I've had 'I'm 32 not 62, why have I get grey hairs? All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that.' Advertisement Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Despite Chloe's concerns, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking Mounjaro to an increase in However, some individuals, including Chloe, have reported changes in their hair colour or texture whilst taking fat jabs. It appears that t hese observations may be influenced by factors such as diet, Advertisement Social media users react Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Numerous other It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back TikTok user One person said: 'My hair has fallen out so much since being on Mounjaro.' Another added: 'My hair was falling out in CHUNKS, it's so scary.' Advertisement A third commented: 'I've had the longest and Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. But at the same time, one user clarified: 'It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back.' Meanwhile, another agreed: 'Hair loss means you aren't eating enough. 'It's important to get enough Advertisement Fatal consequences In addition to hair loss, those debating whether to begin using The injections are licensed for patients with 4 They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Advertisement The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now Advertisement Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Fat jabs left me in agony – it hurt to even put a bra on but it was worth it to be thin & lose a stone in 4 weeks
BLINKING her eyes open, Megan Houchen felt like she had been hit by a bus - every bone in her body ached. But the 25-year-old hadn't been in a terrible accident - nor did she have one too many the night before - her agonising symptoms were all in the name of losing weight. Advertisement 6 Megan Houchan woke up feeling like she had been 'hit by a bus' after taking Mounjaro Credit: Jam Press 6 She says she started taking the drug after years of unhealthy eating took its toll. Seen before Credit: Jam Press 6 Megan says the side effects were worth it and has since gone from 11 stone down to 10 and loves her new body Credit: Jam Press The customer service worker says she was hit with flu-like symptoms the day after she started on weight-loss jabs. The 25-year-old began taking Advertisement 'I woke up feeling like absolute rubbish,' Megan, from County Durham, says. 'I felt like I'd been hit by a bus. 'My shoulders and neck were so sore and felt bruised like I'd done some sort of hardcore workout.' Megan wondered if she was coming down with the flu, and noted her lack of appetite and soreness around her shoulders – saying it even hurt to put a bra on. She adds: 'I had never heard anyone on Mounjaro talk about those Advertisement It was only when Megan went on TikTok that she found other people reporting similar symptoms after taking the medication. Luckily, she began to feel better the following day – and Megan says the initial side effects were well worth the trouble, as she has gone on to drop a stone in just four weeks. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons She says: 'My experience [since then] has been amazing. 'I know it's not the same for everyone but I've not really had any bad side effects [since the first day]. 'All of the food noise has gone – I don't really ever think about food or feel excited about food and it has suppressed my appetite a lot. Advertisement 'I sometimes do miss my food a little because there's some days when I don't feel like eating a lot and then there's other days that I can manage three full meals. 'All in all my Mounjaro journey so far has been life-changing and the best decision I have ever made.' Megan started on Mounjaro after struggling with self-discipline and wanting to shed a few pounds. She says: "I had always been quite slim and ate what I wanted, and got in the mindset of 'I'm never going to put on weight because I've eaten what I wanted for ages'. "But about three years ago I noticed I was gaining more weight, and in the last year it all just caught up with me and I was the heaviest I'd ever been. Advertisement 6 Megan, seen before, wanted to improve her figure before her holiday Credit: Jam Press 6 But she has dropped the excess weight since taking the fat jabs Credit: Jam Press "I would always have a takeaway or eat out Friday, Saturday and Sunday and then it started through the week – sometimes having a takeaway every night and sometimes even ordering takeaways for dinner at work. "It was becoming unhealthy. "My comfort foods would always be a takeaway – if I was sad, I'd always order to food to cheer me up, but afterwards I felt so bloated and looking in the mirror made me feel awful. Advertisement "I'd even drive to McDonald's at midnight to get food if I couldn't sleep. I was dreading going on holiday and wearing a bikini but now I'm really looking forward to it because of the weight loss Megan Houchan 'I was struggling to lose that stubborn weight and I was struggling to keep myself disciplined. 'So, I started Mounjaro to get me out of all of those bad eating habits.' Megan says she was warned by her provider of the potential side effects, although she hadn't linked her symptoms the following day. And, with her symptoms quickly subsiding that same week, she has gone on to be thrilled with her results, dropping down to a healthier 10 stone. Advertisement She added: 'I would definitely recommend it based on my experience. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. 'I recommended it to my dad and he has now started his journey and is going really well for him too. "Now, I feel more confident when I put outfits on to go out, and when taking photos." Megan says that her weight loss has had a positive impact on her mental health too. "I just feel much better in myself. Advertisement "I was dreading going on holiday and wearing a "I've had a lot of comments about it too. "People at work say they can really tell, on my face especially, and have said I look really well for it. "My family is always telling me that they can see such a difference. "My mum always comments on my weight loss and it makes me feel really good because some days I think 'Am I losing weight?' and sort of doubt myself – so it's nice to have reminders. Advertisement "For other people to notice it makes me feel a lot more confident." 6 Megan highly recommends taking fat jabs and says it has had a hugely positive impact Credit: Jam Press
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I lost 12lbs & full dress size in weeks on Mounjaro after changing jabs but surprising side effect transformed my life
IRISH mum Sandra Keogh spent hundreds of euros EVERY month on Doritos as her eating "addiction" spiralled out of control. But now the mum-of-four is thriving thanks to a "bizarre" fat jabs side effect and her weight loss has given her husband "a renewed twinkle in his eye". 4 Sandra was a big fan of 'trash food' but she's now saving a fortune 4 The mum, 37, said her food bill was 'through the roof' 4 She has lost 12 pounds in just 8 weeks The former weight loss consultant, 37, said she needed to urgently make a change but had already tried all of the usual routes. She said: "I felt unable to find the will to care what I was shoving in my mouth. "It was compounded by the fact that I knew what I should be doing I just felt useless. I had to try something else." But she had a light bulb moment one day after sitting down to watch a bit of reality TV. The "So after a while when I heard about availability here, I went and spoke to my doctor because I haven't had diabetes but I just needed something. "I knew what had to be done, but I didn't have the willpower or the motivation to do anything. "I started Ozempic in November 2023, after the doctor thought it was a great idea. "I was on it until February this year and when I heard Mounjaro was coming in, I was eager to swap because I had lost 33 pounds on Ozempic and I kind of had stalled. "When I heard that Mounjaro was going to be approved for a weight loss here in Ireland, I thought, 'Right, I'm going to try and get it'. "I started taking it on the 25th of March and I began losing weight again." Sandra, who shares her journey on TikTok, said she was addicted to eating Doritos daily but a positive side effect of Mounjaro means she no longer has the desire to eat them. She said: "As far as day to day, you are probably wondering what exactly it does to me, but I find personally, it takes away all kind of interest that you would have in food. I lost 98lb on Mounjaro but it's surprise side benefit that's been life-changing "I was a grazer, food was so urgent, Doritos, especially. "I was getting up every evening, dragging my young one to the shop and just to go get Doritos. It felt like an urgency, a need. "I'd have a bag every night plus a Marvellous Creations bar – the big one, I didn't do small. "I was desperate for it, and the medications just take all that away, but I haven't changed what I eat. "I just eat when I'm hungry and I would fill my plate the way I always used to, but I would never ever get through a full plate of dinner the way I used to and I've lost 12 pounds now in the last 8.5 weeks. "So, it's been really, really positive." Sandra, who has lost three stone in total, said her grocery bill was "through the roof" as she satisfied her cravings. She said: "My husband was like, 'Where's all the money going?' and I was like we go to the shop every day after school and then I could have been back at the shop in the evening so it could have been €20 a day just on trash. "A bag of Doritos is €4, and a bar of Marvellous Creations is €4 and you're buying a can of Red Bull or Coca Cola and then stuff for the kids, it was easily €20." What are the side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. Sandra also revealed her overall health has also improved as a result - and would recommend it to anyone looking to shed the pounds. She said: "As a former weight loss consultant a lot of what we did was educating people around eating cleanly and of course that's 100 per cent the right thing to do. "But sometimes when you eat cleanly, you start to think about the things you shouldn't and can't have. "Whereas with the weight loss medication, those thoughts and obsessions around food are gone. "I can't explain it, it's just the most bizarre feeling. I suppose it's addiction really isn't it?" And Sandra said her husband has noticed her progress - and has been showering her with compliments. She said: "My husband thankfully met me at my heaviest and has been supportive and loving no matter what weight I've been. "However, he does have a renewed twinkle in his eye and compliments come a bit more regular. I notice him noticing. "I'm not unrecognisable just yet but on my way there, but confidence wise though, people are definitely noticing the difference." 4 Sandra is feeling happier and healthier since starting her Mounjaro journey
