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Originally published September 2, 2026
Last updated September 2, 2026
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GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound have helped millions of people lose weight and manage type 2 diabetes. But if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer — or are undergoing treatment — you may wonder whether these medications are still safe to take.
The answer depends on your type of cancer, treatment plan and overall health. While GLP-1 medications are appropriate for many people with cancer, they require careful monitoring and coordination between your oncologist and the physician managing your weight or diabetes.
“Every patient is different,” says Kurt Hong, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist specializing in obesity medicine at Keck Medicine of USC. “We look at each case individually to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks.”
A cancer diagnosis alone is not a reason to stop taking a GLP-1 medication, with certain exceptions.
“The one absolute contraindication is medullary thyroid cancer, meaning patients with this type of cancer should not take any type of GLP-1 medication,” says Dr. Hong.
For most other cancers, doctors often continue GLP-1 therapy if a patient has already been taking it before beginning chemotherapy or another cancer treatment. However, they monitor patients more closely because cancer therapy can change nutritional needs and increase the risk of common side effects caused by GLP-1 medications, he explains.
One concern doctors watch for is unintended weight loss. Many cancer treatments can reduce appetite or cause patients to lose weight without trying. Because GLP-1 medications also decrease appetite and promote weight loss, they may accelerate the loss of muscle mass if patients aren’t able to maintain adequate nutrition.
Doctors also watch for side effects that can overlap with cancer treatment, including:
“If someone is starting a new cancer therapy, we may temporarily lower their GLP-1 dose until we see how they tolerate treatment,” Dr. Hong says. “Once they’re doing well, we can often increase it again.”
Staying well hydrated is also especially important, since both cancer treatment and GLP-1 medications can contribute to dehydration, he adds.
Although obesity increases the risk of developing several cancers — including breast, colorectal and liver cancer — there is no evidence that GLP-1 medications actually treat cancer themselves, Dr. Hong says.
However, scientists are actively studying whether these drugs could eventually play a role in cancer prevention or improve outcomes after a cancer diagnosis. “Early laboratory and observational studies have been encouraging, but most of the evidence comes from animal research or retrospective studies rather than randomized clinical trials,” he says. “More research is needed before GLP-1 medications can be considered part of cancer treatment.”
“Once patients have completed their cancer treatment, it is generally safe for most patients to use a GLP-1, with a few exceptions,” Dr. Hong says.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important because obesity has been linked to an increased risk of developing at least 13 different types of cancer and may also increase the risk of recurrence for some cancers.
Some survivors may benefit even more. For example, certain hormone-blocking medications used after breast cancer treatment can lead to significant weight gain. In these cases, GLP-1 medications may help people achieve a healthier weight while continuing their long-term cancer therapy, Dr. Hong explains.
Patients recovering from gastrointestinal cancers or intestinal surgery can also use GLP-1 medications, although treatment may require additional caution and close communication with their surgical team.
The timing depends on factors such as the type of cancer, recent surgery, nutritional status and recovery. Your oncologist, surgeon and endocrinologist should work together to determine when it’s appropriate to begin treatment.
GLP-1 medications are not cancer treatments, but they can often be used safely before, during or after cancer treatment with careful medical supervision. As research continues, scientists are exploring whether GLP-1 medications could provide benefits beyond weight loss and diabetes management. These drugs have already shown cardiovascular and liver health benefits, and researchers are studying their effects on inflammation, cognition and even cancer biology. For now, however, the evidence supports their use primarily for treating obesity and diabetes — not cancer itself, Dr. Hong says.
If you’re taking or considering a GLP-1 medication and have been diagnosed with cancer, talk with your care team before making any changes. In many cases, the safest approach isn’t stopping the medication — it’s making sure the right specialists are working together to tailor treatment to your individual needs.
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