Leading cancer charity issues warning about ‘quick fixes’, following flurry of calls about weight loss injections

Examples of calls into Macmillan Support Line, alongside information from Dr Owen Carter, National Clinical Adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support

Are weight loss medications safe to take with current cancer treatments (chemotherapy, hormone therapy, for example)?

Macmillan information: There is currently not enough evidence around how weight loss injections might affect anti-cancer treatments, and more research is needed. However, we do know that these drugs may affect how other drugs are absorbed by your body. This may include some anti-cancer drugs.

You should talk to your cancer doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any drugs that are not prescribed for you.

Is it safe for someone who has had a previous thyroid cancer diagnosis to use weight loss medications?

Macmillan information: Studies with animals receiving these injections have shown an increased risk of thyroid tumours. This has not been shown in clinical trials with humans but there is ongoing research into this.

Is it safe to use weight loss medications to lose weight before cancer surgery?

Macmillan information: Understandably, people are keen to do what they can to get ready for cancer treatment. But it is important not to take these drugs without medical advice as they have side effects and risks. It might feel difficult to think about making changes when you have just been diagnosed with cancer. But even small changes to your diet and more physical activity can make a big difference to your treatment and recovery.

Your healthcare team can suggest things that are realistic and suitable for you. They can give you help and support. This is called ‘prehabilitation’ and aims to get you as fit and healthy as possible, before, during and after treatment.

Where can people access weight-loss medications?

Additional context: One caller couldn’t access it through the NHS and was sourcing it with the help of their local pharmacist.

Weight loss drugs are available by prescription to help manage weight loss. Decisions to prescribe these weight loss drugs are based on factors like the person’s body mass index (BMI) and whether they have other weight-related issues. These drugs should be used alongside lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and increased physical activity. It is important not to take these drugs without medical advice, as they have side effects and risks.

Some people have been buying weight loss injections online from unregulated sources. There are also reports of people experiencing severe side effects from fake medicines. This is another reason to make sure you take medical advice if you are considering using these drugs.

Dr Owen Carter, National Clinical Adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

“Recently we have seen a noticeable increase in calls to Macmillan’s free Support Line and a flurry of messages on our peer-to-peer Online Community about weight loss drugs. We know that cancer affects everybody differently and it’s understandable that lots of people are interested in new drugs which accelerate weight loss, particularly if they want to manage their weight before or after treatment for cancer.

“While ‘quick fixes’ may seem attractive, we simply do not know enough about the long-term impact of these weight loss medications to recommend them if they’re not prescribed by a specialist. Additionally, certain weight loss medications carry warnings about a potential link with thyroid cancer. However, we know that eating well and staying as active as possible are proven to help people feel better, increase their energy levels and strengthen their immune systems, which can help them to manage their weight and cope better with cancer treatment.

“If you have questions about cancer, including about weight-loss drugs, we urge you to speak to your GP or call the Macmillan Support Line. Trusted advisers are available 8am-8pm, 7 days a week, to provide callers with information and support, or just a listening ear.”