Weight-loss Medications Show Promise in Disease Prevention, Experts Say
WHO:
Fox News - Dr. Loren Rourke, a Texas-based board-certified breast cancer surgeon, emphasized the potential benefits of GLP-1 medications in cancer prevention.
Fox News - Dr. Loren Rourke, a Texas-based board-certified breast cancer surgeon.
NBC Chicago - Guadalupe Figueroa, a patient who underwent bariatric surgery and uses GLP-1 medication.
NBC Chicago - Dr. Rami Lutfi, president and CEO of the Chicago Institute of Advanced Surgery.
NBC Chicago - Edward Butler, a patient who had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
WHAT:
Fox News - Research presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting indicated an association between GLP-1 use and lower breast cancer recurrence rates.
NBC Chicago - A recent Gallup survey found that 11% of adults now take GLP-1 medication for weight loss, a significant increase from 3% in 2024.
Fox News - Research suggests glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications may lower the risk of cancer recurrence.
Fox News - GLP-1 medications include Ozempic and Wegovy.
NBC Chicago - A Gallup survey indicates that 11% of adults now take GLP-1 medication for weight loss, up from 3% in 2024.
NBC Chicago - Obesity rates are reported to be down, inversely tracking with increased usage of GLP-1 medication.
WHERE:
Fox News - Findings were presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago.
NBC Chicago - The Chicago Institute of Advanced Surgery is located in Chicago.
WHEN:
NBC Chicago - The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for Edward Butler occurred in May.
NBC Chicago - Guadalupe Figueroa had lapband surgery in her 50s and a revisional sleeve at age 61.
WHY:
Fox News - Dr. Rourke stated that GLP-1 medications may aid in cancer prevention by promoting weight loss and reducing chronic inflammation, which is beneficial for breast cancer prognosis.
Fox News - GLP-1 medications may aid in cancer prevention by promoting weight loss and reducing chronic inflammation.
NBC Chicago - Dr. Lutfi emphasizes the importance of medical necessity and supervision while using GLP-1 medications.
HOW:
NBC Chicago - Dr. Rami Lutfi noted that surgery combined with GLP-1, lifestyle, and diet changes has been transformative for patients like Edward Butler and Guadalupe Figueroa.
Fox News - GLP-1s cause a decrease in BMI and promote weight reduction.
NBC Chicago - Surgery combined with GLP-1, lifestyle, and diet changes have been transformative for patients.
(UPDATED August 4, 2026 15:30 UTC)
Dr. Loren Rourke, a Texas-based breast cancer surgeon, highlighted the potential benefits of GLP-1 medications in cancer prevention, particularly in light of new research presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, which showed an association between GLP-1 use and lower breast cancer recurrence rates. A recent Gallup survey revealed that the percentage of adults taking GLP-1 medication for weight loss has surged to 11%, up from just 3% in 2024. Dr. Rami Lutfi emphasized that combining surgery with GLP-1, along with lifestyle and diet changes, has been transformative for patients like Edward Butler and Guadalupe Figueroa.
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(UPDATED August 4, 2026 12:44 UTC)
At the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting in Chicago, research was presented suggesting that glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, may lower the risk of cancer recurrence. A recent Gallup survey found that the percentage of adults using GLP-1 medications for weight loss has surged to eleven percent, up from just three percent in 2024, coinciding with a reported decline in obesity rates. Dr. Rami Lutfi, president and CEO of the Chicago Institute of Advanced Surgery, highlighted the importance of medical supervision when using these medications, which can significantly aid in weight reduction and promote overall health.