GLP‑1 drugs like semaglutide help people lose weight and lower blood sugar, but some studies suggest they might raise the chance of certain cancers, especially thyroid and pancreatic cancers. The evidence isn’t conclusive, but there’s a signal that one drug (liraglutide) showed a higher cancer risk, and semaglutide’s data are mixed. So, while these drugs are effective, you should be cautious if you have a history or family risk of those cancers.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are essential for treating type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. Despite their therapeutic benefits, concerns have arisen regarding their potential association with pancreatic and thyroid cancers. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the correlation between GLP-1 receptor agonists and cancer incidence in obese/overweight individuals, including both patients with diabetes and overweight/obese non-diabetic participants. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases identified randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for inclusion. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment followed rigorous methodologies, using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. Of the 1,882 identified studies, nine RCTs (9,078 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The studies varied in duration (12-104 weeks) and demographics, with a mean participant age of 46.9 years and a mean body mass index of 36.9 kg/m². In non-diabetic overweight/obese participants, GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced body weight and HbA1c levels compared to placebo. However, varying incidences of neoplasms were observed, with liraglutide showing a statistically significant odds ratio of 2.8150 for cancer risk. Semaglutide trials have reported mixed results, with some studies showing an increase in neoplasm events in the intervention groups. Although GLP-1 receptor agonists effectively manage weight and glycemic control in overweight/obese patients, their association with increased cancer risk warrants cautious application, especially in individuals with a predisposition to thyroid or pancreatic cancers. Further studies are needed to conclusively determine the safety profile of these therapies.