A large-scale observational study suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists—including Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, and Rybelsus—may offer a modest protective effect against obesity-related cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Key highlights

Study population and scope

• Over 85,000 patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity were tracked between 2013 and 2023.

• Patients were treated either with GLP-1 drugs or DPP-4 inhibitors like Januvia (Merck) and Nesina (Takeda).

• The average follow-up period was nearly 4 years.

Reduced cancer risk observed

• Those using GLP-1 drugs had a:

  1. 7% lower risk of developing an obesity-related cancer

  2. 8% lower risk of all-cause mortality

• The protective effect was statistically significant only in women.

Strongest reduction seen in colorectal cancer

• Compared to DPP-4 users, GLP-1 users had:

  • 16% fewer colon cancer cases

  • 28% fewer rectal cancer cases

Study limitations and caution

• Researchers emphasize that the study is observational and cannot prove causation.

• “These data are reassuring, but more studies are required to prove causation,” said Lucas Mavromatis, lead author and medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Background on GLP-1 drugs

• GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Trulicity are primarily used for blood glucose control, not cancer prevention.

• These formulations deliver lower doses than those used in weight-loss-specific GLP-1 therapies.

The findings suggest a potential added benefit of GLP-1 diabetes drugs in reducing obesity-related cancer risks, especially colorectal malignancies. While more rigorous trials are needed to establish causation, the early data reinforces the growing role of GLP-1 therapies in metabolic and preventive health.