Mounjaro (GLP-1s) can reduce the risk of Cancer
Emerging research has highlighted the cancer-preventing potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly used in weight loss injections. These medications, already popular for their role in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes, are now showing promising results in reducing the risk of obesity-linked cancers.
The study, led by Clalit Health Services, involved 6,356 adults undergoing treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Participants were split into two groups: one group received bariatric surgery, while the other was treated with first-generation GLP-1-based injections such as liraglutide, exenatide, or dulaglutide. Over a follow-up period of 7.5 years, 298 individuals from across both cohorts were diagnosed with cancers associated with excess weight.
Interestingly, when researchers accounted for weight loss outcomes, GLP-1 treatments emerged slightly more protective, cutting cancer risk by 41% compared to a 38% reduction seen in the surgery group. Based on this combined evidence, scientists suggest that GLP-1 medications alone may reduce the likelihood of developing obesity-related cancers by nearly 50%.
Mounjaro (GLP-1s) Can Affect Contraceptive Pill Absorption
If you’re using Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)—a GLP-1 weight loss injection available in the UK—it’s important to know it may reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control. This happens because Mounjaro can delay the absorption of the oral contraceptive pill, meaning your body might not absorb enough to prevent pregnancy. To stay protected, you should use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms or an IUD, for four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after each dose increase. This guidance is specific to tirzepatide, which acts differently from other GLP-1 medications. Alternatively, you may want to switch to a non-oral form of contraception while using Mounjaro. For more details, refer to the official NHS guidance on weight loss injections .