What is the link between weight-loss drugs and kidney cancer?

A major study found that people taking weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro had about a third higher risk of developing kidney cancer, especially those under 65 and those who were overweight.

How do weight-loss drugs affect other types of cancer?

The same study showed that while the drugs increased kidney cancer risk, they were also associated with a 17% lower overall cancer rate, including significant drops in ovarian and uterine cancer.

Why is kidney cancer considered a "silent killer"?

Kidney cancer often goes undetected until it has advanced, as it rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. By the time signs like blood in the urine or back pain appear, the cancer has often progressed to the point where successful treatment is more difficult.

Home / Health / Weight-Loss Drugs Raise Kidney Cancer Risk, But May Protect Against Other Tumors

Weight-Loss Drugs Raise Kidney Cancer Risk, But May Protect Against Other Tumors

21 Aug

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Summary

Slimming injections like Ozempic linked to 17% lower overall cancer risk
Kidney cancer risk up by a third among injection users, especially under-65s
Ovarian and uterine cancer rates fell significantly for those on the drugs

Weight-Loss Drugs Raise Kidney Cancer Risk, But May Protect Against Other Tumors

According to a study published on August 21, 2025, weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro may increase the risk of kidney cancer, a concerning "silent killer" that is striking more people under 50. The research, which tracked nearly 44,000 overweight and obese individuals for up to 10 years, found that while the drugs were associated with a 17% lower overall cancer risk, they also raised the chances of developing kidney cancer by about a third.

The risk was highest among those under 65 and people who were overweight. Kidney cancer is one of the fastest-rising cancers in both the UK and US, often going undetected until it has advanced. If caught early, three-quarters of patients survive at least 5 years, but once it has spread, the survival rate plummets to just 18%.

At the same time, the study uncovered some promising news - the slimming injections were linked to significant drops in ovarian and uterine cancer rates. Experts caution, however, that the cancer-protective effects may simply be a result of the weight loss itself, rather than the drugs. Further research is needed to confirm the kidney cancer link and understand the underlying mechanisms.

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