Fat jabs Ozempic and Wegovy could slash risk of bowel cancer, groundbreaking study suggests

Fat jabs may prevent bowel cancer

According to a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, type 2 diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could potentially reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. These drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), are typically used to improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. However, the study suggests that they may also have a preventive effect on bowel cancer, even for individuals who are not overweight.

Significant reduction in bowel cancer cases

In a 15-year study involving 46,000 diabetic patients, researchers found that those who were taking the GLP-1 RA injections had a 44% reduction in bowel cancer cases compared to those who were not taking the injections. The success of these drugs in managing weight prompted the development of the weight loss jab Wegovy by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

First indication of GLP-1 RA drugs reducing colorectal cancer

This study is the first to suggest that GLP-1 RA drugs could potentially reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with an estimated 42,900 cases diagnosed each year. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing bowel cancer, and it is believed that 11% of UK cases are linked to weight issues.

Potential for preventing other obesity and diabetes-related cancers

The study also indicated that these injections may have a preventive effect on other cancers associated with obesity and diabetes, such as breast, womb, and kidney cancer. The injections were found to have a more profound effect on overweight participants, suggesting that weight loss played a role in preventing bowel cancer.

Other diabetes drugs and prevention of bowel cancer

The study also examined the effects of other popular type 2 diabetes drugs on bowel cancer prevention. It was found that taking Metformin reduced the number of bowel cancer cases by 25%. However, GLP-1 RA drugs were found to be significantly more effective in preventing the development of bowel cancer compared to drugs like Metformin or insulin.

Undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and its risks

Many people may have type 2 diabetes without realizing it, as it may not always cause noticeable symptoms. However, the condition raises the risk of developing cancers, heart disease, and kidney disease. Diabetes UK estimates that 2.4 million people in the UK could be at risk of developing the condition. Women with type 2 diabetes were found to be more likely to die of cancer compared to those without the condition, according to experts from the University of Leicester.