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Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
05:10

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

895

Weight Loss, Obesity Medication, and Risk of Obesity-Associated Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled

Chengwen Li1, Chu Lin1, Xiaoling Cai1

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|November 5, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Weight reduction from antiobesity medications (AOMs) does not lower obesity-cancer risk. However, coagonist medications show a reduced risk of obesity-associated cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolism and Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Obesity is a significant risk factor for various cancers.
  • Antiobesity medications (AOMs) promote weight reduction, but their impact on cancer risk is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if weight reduction induced by AOMs reduces the risk of obesity-associated cancers.
  • To analyze the association between AOMs, weight loss, and cancer incidence.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of AOMs from major databases and clinical trial registries.
  • Meta-analysis using random-effects models to calculate relative risks for overall and site-specific cancers.
  • Subgroup analysis to evaluate specific drug classes, including coagonists.

Main Results:

  • The analysis included 25 RCTs with 40,731 participants.
  • AOMs did not show an association with overall or site-specific obesity-related cancer risk compared to placebo.
  • Every 5kg weight reduction from AOMs was not linked to reduced cancer risk.
  • Coagonist medications (tirzepatide, cotadutide, cagrilintide) significantly reduced overall obesity-associated cancer risk (RR=0.43).
  • Weight reduction mediated by coagonists was marginally associated with reduced cancer risk (RR=0.79).

Conclusions:

  • Weight reduction achieved with current AOMs does not decrease the risk of overall or site-specific obesity-associated cancers.
  • Coagonist medication users experienced a reduced risk of overall obesity-associated cancer.
  • Further research into specific AOMs, like coagonists, is warranted for cancer risk reduction strategies.
Keywords:
meta‐analysisobesity medicationobesity‐associated cancerweight loss

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