GLP-1 Drug: A Cure for Both Obesity and Cancer

Listen to this News

Highlights:

• GLP-1 analogs, a medication used to treat obesity, can restore the function of natural killer (NK) cells in the body, which helps fight cancerous cells
• The study suggests that the primary role of GLP-1 in weight loss is not necessary for the restored ability of NK cells to fight cancer, indicating that the medication directly affects NK cell function
• GLP-1 therapy may offer additional health benefits beyond weight loss, such as improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of developing obesity-related health complications like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and cancer

The ability of GLP-1 obesity treatment to restore the body's innate ability to fight cancer was demonstrated in recently released groundbreaking findings on the advantages of the well-known obesity medication GLP-1 (1^✔).

Previous studies have shown that people with obesity have a higher risk of getting cancer, in part because their "natural killer" (NK)' cells, which fight cancer, are rendered ineffective by their condition (2^✔).

GLP-1 Analogs can Restore Natural Killer Cells

Dr. Andrew Hogan and his team at the Lonsdale Health Institute at Maynooth University have discovered through new Health Research Board (HRB)-funded research that the well-known and highly effective pharmacological treatment for obesity, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analogs, can actually restore NK cell function in the body, including its capacity to eradicate cancerous cells.

‘40% of cancer patients have obesity as one of the factors contributing to their deteriorating health. GLP-1 obesity treatment can help nullify this number.’

Dr. Andrew E. Hogan, Associate Professor and Principal Investigator, at Lonsdale Human Health Institute in Maynooth University, discussed the findings: "My team and I are very excited by these new findings in relation to the effects of the GLP-1 treatment on people with obesity, and it appears to result in real, tangible benefits for those currently on the drug.

"While these findings will understandably be welcomed by those living with obesity and looking for safe and effective treatments, given the recent spike in popularity related to the benefits of the GLP-1 treatment with global and high-profile celebrities commenting on its success, global demand has increased and resulted in a worldwide shortage of the drug."

Prevalence of Obesity Among Cancer Patients

According to the World Health Organization, 13% of adults worldwide are obese, a condition associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. These cancers comprise about 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year (3^✔).

GLP-1: The Cancer Killing Engine

The study also demonstrates that GLP-1's primary role in weight loss is not necessary for the restored ability of NK cells to fight cancer, suggesting that the medication is likely directly igniting the NK cells' engine.

"I hope this is something that is brought under control to ensure as many people as possible living with obesity can start their own treatment with this beneficial drug."

"People with obesity can develop a variety of health problems like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and cancer. These can have very negative impacts on their quality of life. This research and other promising findings on improvements in cardiovascular health after GLP-1 therapy indicate its potential benefits in addition to weight loss." said, Conor de Barra, a Ph.D. student in immunology at Maynooth University and an Irish Research Council Scholar who led the work in Dr. Hogan's lab.

Prof. Donal O'Shea, HSE National Lead for Obesity and Principal Investigator, said: "We are finally reaching the point where medical treatments for the disease of obesity are being shown to prevent the complications of having obesity. The current findings represent very positive news for people living with obesity on GLP-1 therapy and suggest the benefits of this family of treatments may extend to a reduction in cancer risk."

References:

1. Glucagon-like peptide-1 therapy in people with obesity restores natural killer cell metabolism and effector function - (https:onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.23772)
2. Obesity-Associated Alterations of Natural Killer Cells and Immunosurveillance of Cancer - (https:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32231659/)
3. Obesity and overweight - (https:www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight)

Source: Medindia

Cite this Article ⇣⇡

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

• APA

  Dr. Krishanga. (2023, May 12). GLP-1 Drug: A Cure for Both Obesity and Cancer. Medindia. Retrieved on Jan 12, 2025 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/glp-1-drug-a-cure-for-both-obesity-and-cancer-211747-1.htm.

• MLA

  Dr. Krishanga. "GLP-1 Drug: A Cure for Both Obesity and Cancer". Medindia. Jan 12, 2025. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/glp-1-drug-a-cure-for-both-obesity-and-cancer-211747-1.htm>.

• Chicago

  Dr. Krishanga. "GLP-1 Drug: A Cure for Both Obesity and Cancer". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/glp-1-drug-a-cure-for-both-obesity-and-cancer-211747-1.htm. (accessed Jan 12, 2025).

• Harvard

  Dr. Krishanga. 2023. GLP-1 Drug: A Cure for Both Obesity and Cancer. Medindia, viewed Jan 12, 2025, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/glp-1-drug-a-cure-for-both-obesity-and-cancer-211747-1.htm.