GLP-1 Medications for Cancer Survivors

GLP-1 medications have become increasingly popular for their remarkable weight loss results. By enhancing the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, these medications prolong feelings of fullness, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite.¹

The result is often a degree of weight loss that is difficult to achieve through traditional interventions. Beyond weight loss, research shows that they may reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. ² ³

The glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, often called GLP-1, is a hormone secreted by L cells in the intestine after you eat.¹ Once released, it binds to receptors all over the body, including the intestines, stomach, pancreas, liver, and kidney.¹ This stimulates many downstream metabolic pathways that play a role in blood sugar regulation, hunger and fullness cues, and the digestion process.¹ GLP-1 medications mimic the action of this hormone, effectively increasing systemic concentrations of GLP-1 and enhancing its effects.³

There are several different GLP-1 medications on the market. Semaglutide is one of the most common weekly injectable options, FDA approved as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss.⁴ Tirzepatide is another weekly injectable option, FDA approved as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss.⁴ These medications can also be found in compounded forms. Recently, a daily oral pill form of Wegovy was approved for weight loss as well.⁵ The dosage for each of these medications is adjusted by the prescribing physician in standardized increments, typically increasing in dose over time. Anecdotally, dosages lower than the FDA-approved levels, or “microdosing,” may be beneficial for mitigating gastrointestinal side effects and reducing inflammation, though this is not backed by research and findings on this subject are inconclusive.⁶  Work closely with your physician to evaluate the medication, mode of administration, and dosage that is best for you. 

The widespread success of GLP-1 medications has led to questions regarding their potential benefit for cancer survivors. Weight gain is a common occurrence for cancer survivors due to treatment and side effects, hormone and metabolic shifts, changes in dietary and physical activity patterns, and emotional distress.⁴ ⁷ GLP-1 medications may be an option for improving body composition after treatment, while also reducing the risk for cancer recurrence and future chronic disease development. ² ³ However, more research is still needed.

There are many factors to consider before using GLP-1 medications. Weight loss does not come exclusively from fat mass, meaning these medications can increase the risk for muscle loss and bone density loss.⁸ ⁹ Adequate muscle mass and strong bones are critical for maintaining strength and overall health during cancer survivorship, and both are areas in which cancer survivors are working to rebuild as a byproduct of treatment. Common side effects of GLP-1 medications, including vomiting, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, also may impact nutritional status and overall quality of life. ⁹ Evaluating digestion before starting a GLP-1 medication would be wise as these are also common side effects of treatment. Without a comprehensive plan accounting for these factors, the potential risks may outweigh the benefits. 

If you and your doctor have decided that this is an appropriate approach for meeting your goals, working with a team of professionals will reduce the risk of complications resulting from GLP-1 medications. Each survivor’s experience with these medications is different, so an evidence-based individualized plan is essential not only for successful weight loss, but for the minimization of unfavorable outcomes.⁸ Below are several practical considerations to discuss with your healthcare team before getting started.

Nutrition tips:

1. Consume a variety of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds at most meals and snacks

   1. Check out the New American Plate for tips, meal examples, and recipes 

   2. Focus on cancer-fighting foods that will also help with weight management

      
      

2. Eat enough food to maximize energy levels and proper rate of weight loss, even when appetite is reduced

   1. Eat 4-6 smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day 

   2. Keep healthy food and snack choices on hand to prevent long periods without eating. 

      
      

3. Prioritize protein intake to maintain or build muscle mass⁸

   1. Distribute intake evenly across meals, aiming for at least 30 grams of protein per meal 

   2. Choose high protein snacks, such as hard boiled eggs, protein shakes, hummus, and nuts or nut butters 

   3. Eat protein foods first at meals and snacks to avoid filling up before reaching your protein goals

Physical activity recommendations:

1. Participate in daily physical activity and reduce sedentary time 

2. Prioritize strength and resistance training, ideally at least 2 times per week, for muscle and bone preservation ¹⁰

While GLP-1 medications have shown promise, there are still many gaps in the research, particularly when it comes to their use in cancer survivorship. Because of these unanswered questions, GLP-1 medications must be approached with caution. If you are considering using a GLP-1 medication, seek evidence-based recommendations from medical professionals tailored to your needs. Take the time to educate yourself about the potential benefits, risks, and limitations to make an informed decision. Ongoing support from a team of professionals while using GLP-1 medications can help you optimize your experience. When used appropriately and alongside a care team, these medications can be a powerful tool for improving health and quality of life. 

About the author

Cailey Benjamin is a dietetic intern who earned her Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2026. She aspires to help others improve their health and promote longevity through evidence-based nutrition and sustainable lifestyle changes.

References 

1. Valencia-Rincón E., Rai R., ChandraV., & Wellberg, EA. GLP-1 receptor agonists and cancer: current clinical evidence and translational opportunities for preclinical research. The Journal of clinical investigation. 2025:135(21):e194743. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12578377/ 

2. Tatum KL, Dahman B, Stevenson A, et al. Survival and Recurrence With GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Breast Cancer. JAMA Network Open. 2026;9(5):e2612133. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2848788 

3. Cuomo, RE. The Influence of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Five-Year Mortality in Colon Cancer Patients. Cancer Investigation. 2025. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6k9803hf 

4. What You Need to Know About GLP-1s and Breast Cancer Care. Breast Cancer Research Foundation. https://www.bcrf.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-glp-1s-and-breast-cancer-care/ 

5. Taking Wegovy Pill. Wegovy. https://www.wegovy.com/obesity/starting-wegovy/starting-wegovy-pill.html 

6. Komé A., Chandran M., Tungate Lopez S., Buse J., Klein K. One Size Does Not Fit All: Understanding Microdosing Semaglutide for Diabetes in Multidose Pens. Diabetes Care. 2025:48(3):e25–e27. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/48/3/e25/157716/One-Size-Does-Not-Fit-All-Understanding 

7. Bradshaw PT. Body composition and cancer survival: a narrative review. British Journal of Cancer. 2023:130:176–183. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10803330/pdf/41416_2023_Article_2470.pdf 

8. Arslan S., Aydin A. GLP-1/GIP agonists and cancer: mechanisms, evidence, and nutrition implications. Academia Oncology. 2026:3. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uxlQEb83bhW-VP4lzl12SHSSSMe7jNGS/view 

9. Jalleh R., Talley N., Horowitz M., & Nauck M. The science of safety: adverse effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists as glucose-lowering and obesity medications. The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2026;136(4):e194740. https://dm5migu4zj3pb.cloudfront.net/manuscripts/194000/194740/JCI194740.v1.pdf 

10. Rock CL, Thomson CA, Sullivan KR, Howe CL, Kushi LH, Caan BJ. American Cancer Society nutrition and physical activity guideline for cancer survivors. American Cancer Society Journals. 2022:72(3):230-262. https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3322/caac.21719