Weight loss medications and cancer

Medications for obesity, including GLP-1 medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, are becoming increasingly common, but what do they mean for people living with and beyond cancer?In this episode, Kirsty Clutterbuck, Head and Neck Dietitian and Chair of the British Dietetic Association’s (BDA) Oncology Specialist Group, and Kate Turney, Lead Nurse for the Upper GI Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, explore the benefits, risks and unanswered questions around medications for obesity in cancer care. They discuss how GLP-1 medicines work, the potential impact of weight and muscle loss during cancer treatment, and how side effects can overlap with cancer and treatment-related symptoms. They also explore how professionals can respond to patient questions, discuss weight and nutrition sensitively, and support shared decision-making through multidisciplinary care.By listening to or watching this episode in full, you will be able to:Explain how GLP-1 medicines work and the key considerations for people living with and beyond cancer.Recognise potential nutritional risks, including rapid weight loss, muscle loss and symptoms that may be difficult to distinguish from cancer or treatment side effects.Discuss obesity medicines, weight and nutrition with patients in a sensitive, non-judgemental way.Identify how dietitians, CNSs and wider multidisciplinary teams can support safe, person-centred decision-making.Content warning This episode contains conversations about obesity, eating behaviours and weight stigma which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.Links from the episode: Staying healthy when taking medications for obesity - BDAWeight-loss injections and cancer: your questions answered | Macmillan Cancer Support Nutrition Strategies for Next‐Generation Incretin Therapies: A Systematic Scoping Review of the Current Evidence - Spreckley - 2026 - Obesity Reviews - Wiley Online Library  Screening for malnutrition in people living with cancer and overweight or obesity: A scoping review - ScienceDirect  Further information This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objective to offer more personalised support to people affected by cancer and other health conditions. You can read more about this in Macmillan's strategy.Please complete this short, anonymous survey to help us understand your experience as a listener- what you find most useful, how you've been able to apply insights from the podcast in your role, and where we can improve. It will only take around 15 minutes to complete: The Cancer Professionals Podcast- listener surveyIf you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or Macmillan’s Learning Hub for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support.Disclaimer: The content and information in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All examples discussed in episodes are UK based and reflect UK health systems at the time of recording. No material within this series is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified and registered healthcare providers.