Ann Intern Med

GLP‑1 receptor agonists show no clear link to obesity‑related cancers

December 15, 2025

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 48 randomized trials (N = 94,245) found that GLP-1 RAs and dual agonists likely have little or no effect on obesity-related cancer risk. Fourteen cancer types were assessed, including thyroid, pancreatic, breast, kidney, colorectal, and reproductive cancers. Moderate-certainty evidence showed no increased risk for thyroid, pancreatic, breast, or kidney cancer (odds ratios, 0.84–1.37). Low-certainty evidence suggested no effect on colorectal, esophageal, liver, gallbladder, ovarian, endometrial cancers, multiple myeloma, or meningioma. Evidence for gastric cancer remained inconclusive. Findings were consistent in sensitivity analyses for semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Clinical takeaway: Continue prescribing GLP-1 RAs for diabetes and weight management, but remain vigilant—long-term, cancer-specific trials are needed to clarify potential risks or benefits.

Source:

Ko A, et al. (2025, December 9). Ann Intern Med. Risk for Cancer With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Dual Agonists : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41359966/