Weight-loss injections halve risk of silent killer affecting thousands in Britain, study reveals.

Recent research has illuminated the potential of weight-loss injections, specifically GLP-1 agonists, to significantly reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions. A study involving 6,400 patients found that individuals receiving these injections experienced a 50% reduction in cancer risk compared to those who underwent traditional weight-loss surgery . This remarkable finding suggests that the benefits of GLP-1 agonists extend beyond mere weight loss, potentially including mechanisms such as reduced inflammation and improved metabolic health.

Cancer experts said the findings were “transformational” and could herald a “whole new era of preventive cancer medicine”.

Obesity is associated with 13 different cancers. While losing weight reduces that risk, scientists have calculated weight-loss injections have a bigger protective effect over and above shedding the kilos.

Researchers in Israel studied 6,000 adults with no prior history of cancer, who either underwent bariatric surgery or took glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) liraglutide (Saxenda), exenatide (Byetta) or dulaglutide (Trulicity). The drugs work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone in the body, which lowers blood sugar levels and makes people feel fuller for longer.

Study author Dr Yael Wolff Sagy, of Clalit Health Services in Israel, said: “When we took into account the differences in weight reduction, we found the jabs were 41 per cent more effective at preventing cancer.

“This indicates there is an additional mechanism beyond simple weight loss. We believe this effect may come from reducing inflammation.

“This is potentially very exciting news for patients at high risk of obesity-related cancer and possibly other cancers.”

Furthermore, additional studies have indicated that these medications may also play a role in lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Research analyzing data from nearly 400,000 individuals with type 2 diabetes revealed a notable association between semaglutide—a key component of weight-loss injections—and decreased dementia risk when compared to other diabetes treatments. Such findings underscore the broader implications for public health as obesity continues to be a significant concern in Britain.

While concerns regarding safety have been raised following reports linking these injections to several adverse outcomes , the prospect of using GLP-1 agonists as preventive measures against life-threatening conditions is compelling. Continued investigation into their long-term effects and mechanisms will be crucial for fully understanding their potential within clinical settings. Thus, this emerging evidence positions weight-loss injections not only as tools for managing obesity but also as promising candidates in cancer and dementia prevention strategies.

Sarah H

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