‘Enormous potential’: weight-loss drugs cut cancer risk by a fifth, research shows

A study presented at the world’s largest cancer conference found patients taking the drugs were 19% less likely to develop 13 obesity-related cancers. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters

Weight-loss drugs offer a new weapon in the global fight against cancer, with “enormous potential” to prevent new cases and shrink tumours, doctors said as research showed the jabs can cut the risk of developing the disease by a fifth.

Blockbuster injections such as Wegovy have revolutionised the treatment of obesity, and recently been approved for use in other areas of medicine, including reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular-related deaths.