LONDON, June 19, 2025
Weight-Loss Jabs: Proceed with Caution
A new warning from Macmillan Cancer Support advises cancer patients to consult their doctors before considering weight-loss injections.
- Cancer patients are urged to discuss weight-loss drugs with their doctors.
- limited evidence exists on how these drugs interact with cancer treatments.
- Weight-loss medications may effect how the body absorbs other medicines, including some cancer drugs.
Should cancer patients use weight-loss injections? Macmillan Cancer Support is urging individuals undergoing cancer treatment to seek medical advice before using weight-loss drugs due to unknown impacts on cancer treatments.
Macmillan cancer Support has observed a surge in inquiries regarding weight-loss drugs, prompting them to issue a warning. The charity emphasizes the need for more research into the effects of these drugs, as their impact on anti-cancer treatments is not fully understood.
It is known that weight-loss drugs may affect how the body absorbs other medications, including some cancer treatments. Dr. Owen Carter, a national clinical adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, noted an increase in calls and online messages about weight-loss drugs, indicating significant public interest. The charity acknowledges that weight management is a concern for many cancer patients, especially before or after treatment.
Cancer patients must speak to their doctor before taking weight-loss jabs, a charity has warned
Additionally, some weight-loss medications have been linked to thyroid cancer. Macmillan emphasizes the proven benefits of a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition and regular physical activity, which can boost energy levels and support the immune system.
Macmillan stresses that individuals with questions about cancer or weight-loss drugs should consult their GP or contact the Macmillan support line. Trusted advisors are available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to provide information and support.
Overweight individuals are at higher risk of heart disease, cancer, and type-2 diabetes, all of which strain healthcare systems. The NHS is rationing access to weight-loss injections, prioritizing those with the most severe weight-related complications. This has led many in the UK to seek private prescriptions, which can cost around £250 per month, affecting approximately 1.5 million people.
While ‘quick fixes’ may seem appealing, there is currently not enough evidence over how the drugs might affect anti-cancer treatments
Weight-loss drugs can help people lose a fifth of their body weight; however, some regain weight after stopping them.Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, mentioned at a recent conference in Manchester that weight-loss jabs could become as widely available as statins if market competition lowers prices. He highlighted that obesity costs the NHS £11.4 billion annually, calling the financial burden “unsustainable.”
GPs will soon be able to prescribe the weight-loss drug mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, starting later this month, a move described as an “exciting milestone.”
LONDON, June 19, 2025
Weight-loss Jabs: Proceed with Caution
A new warning from Macmillan Cancer Support advises cancer patients to consult their doctors before considering weight-loss injections.
- Cancer patients are urged to discuss weight-loss drugs with their doctors.
- limited evidence exists on how these drugs interact with cancer treatments.
- Weight-loss medications may effect how the body absorbs other medicines, including some cancer drugs.
Should cancer patients use weight-loss injections? Macmillan Cancer Support is urging individuals undergoing cancer treatment to seek medical advice before using weight-loss drugs due to unknown impacts on cancer treatments.
Macmillan cancer Support has observed a surge in inquiries regarding weight-loss drugs, prompting them to issue a warning. The charity emphasizes the need for more research into the effects of these drugs, as their impact on anti-cancer treatments is not fully understood.
Expert Insight: “The rise in inquiries highlights a growing need for clear guidance on weight-loss drugs for cancer patients,” says a Macmillan spokesperson. “We’re committed to providing the best possible support and facts.”
It is indeed known that weight-loss drugs may affect how the body absorbs other medications, including some cancer treatments. Dr. Owen Carter, a national clinical adviser at Macmillan cancer Support, noted an increase in calls and online messages about weight-loss drugs, indicating significant public interest. The charity acknowledges that weight management is a concern for many cancer patients, especially before or after treatment.
cancer patients must speak to their doctor before taking weight-loss jabs, a charity has warned
Did You No? some weight-loss drugs can interact with medications used in cancer treatment, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects.Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication.
Additionally, some weight-loss medications have been linked to thyroid cancer. Macmillan emphasizes the proven benefits of a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition and regular physical activity, which can boost energy levels and support the immune system.
Macmillan stresses that individuals with questions about cancer or weight-loss drugs should consult their GP or contact the Macmillan support line.Trusted advisors are available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to provide information and support.
Overweight individuals are at higher risk of heart disease, cancer, and type-2 diabetes, all of which strain healthcare systems. The NHS is rationing access to weight-loss injections,prioritizing those with the most severe weight-related complications.This has led many in the UK to seek private prescriptions, which can cost around £250 per month, affecting approximately 1.5 million peopel.
