Weight & Cancer Risk: How Weight Loss Can Help
- Weatherman Al Roker battled health issues and has overcome obesity— and now he’s urging others not to judge anyone using weight loss drugs, like the highly popular drug Ozempic.
- Roker is also a prostate cancer survivor. He announced he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2020. Since undergoing treatment, he’s been given consistent ‘all-clears,’ but he’ll be doing lifelong testing to make sure the cancer does not return. In addition, Roker had gastric bypass surgery in 2002. Since that surgery and his continued efforts to live a healthy life, he’s lost over 100 pounds.
- Roker’s push to help others from shaming people taking weight loss drugs, comes as healthcare company Lexicomp drug revealed Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide (known under the brand names Ozempic, Rybelsu, Wegovy) has been associated with negative side effects, including an increased risk of cancer.
- If you’re considering taking a weight loss drug, talk with your care team about whether that’s a good option for you. And make sure you consider good diet and exercise practices as a part of your treatment plan.
- Being overweight or obese is clearly linked to an overall increased risk of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. One of our experts say “losing weight is a great way to reduce one’s risk” for cancers.
- It’s also important to know that conditions caused or exasperated by obesity like diabetes and heart disease can pose problems for people who’ve already been diagnosed with cancer.
Roker, who underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002 and has since lost over 100 pounds, reportedly spoke on air this week in support of anyone taking such medication to drop excess weight.
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Roker’s comments were made in response to Oprah Winfrey’s recent special titled, “‘An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution,” about the popular drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, being used for weight loss.
Ozempic, the brand name of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide which is also known under the brand names Rybelsu and Wegovy, is an FDA-approved prescription medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug, which is administered as a weekly injection, assists the body by helping the pancreas make more insulin, ultimately lowering blood sugar levels. Although it has not been FDA-approved for weight loss, the drug has been prescribed by some doctors.
During a recent TV special on ABC, Winfrey said, “I have to say that I took on the shame that the world gave to me. For 25 years, making fun of my weight was national sport.”
Meanwhile, two years ago, Roker celebrated 20-years after his gastric bypass surgery.
He wrote, alongside a photo of himself holding up an old pair of jeans, “Hard to believe it was 20 years ago today, I wore these size 54 Levi jeans to my #gastricbypass at 340 lbs and here I am today.
“It’s still a struggle but I’m never going back. I have setbacks and struggle every day, but I never forget how far I’ve come.”
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Al Roker’s Prostate Cancer Battle
Roker, who suffered from blood clots in 2022, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after almost delaying a doctor’s appointment because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a good news-bad news kind of thing,” Roker told “TODAY.” “Good news is we caught it early. Not great news is that it’s a little aggressive, so I’m going to be taking some time off to take care of this.”
He shared the news of his diagnosis on the TODAY show in November 2020 and explained that he would be having surgery.
“My first reaction was, ‘I just want this out. I don’t want to do radiation,’” Roker previously told SurvivorNet of the prostate cancer that was growing inside his body. “At the end of the day, I thought, ‘surgery first,’ then I thought, ‘no, maybe radiation,’ then I went back and (said), ‘no, surgery.’ That was that. Once I make a decision, I don’t really second guess it.”
His procedure took place in November 2020 and resulted in the removal of his prostate and some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. This type of surgery a radical prostatectomy is known to effect a man’s sexual function since it requires removing the seminal vesicles.
“There really was no pain,” Roker said on how he felt post-operation. “The biggest issue, obviously, is sexual function, and there’s treatment for that. I’m happy to say everything’s working fine.”
The biggest issue for Roker actually came during surgical recovery.
RELATED: Staggeringly Higher Prostate Cancer Rates for Black Men
“To be honest, the hardest part really there’s a little incontinence (loss of bladder control) to begin with that eventually goes away to me,” he said. “The hardest part was that initial week after surgery where you’re wearing a catheter (a soft tube that drains urine from the bladder). But even that was not onerous, it’s just a little inconvenient, but you know that it’s temporary.”
When Should I Get Tested for Prostate Cancer?
Since then, Roker has been given consistent ‘all-clears,’ though he’ll be doing lifelong testing to make sure the cancer does not return.
And even Roker’s cancer surgery was not the first time he had a major operation for the sake of his health. In 2002, Roker, who had long struggled with his weight, opted to have gastric bypass surgery to drastically limit his food consumption. Since that surgery and his continued efforts to live a healthy life, he’s lost more than 100 pounds.
Expert Resources On Healthy Living
- ‘A Lifestyle Changer’: Healthy Habits to Adopt After an HCM Diagnosis
- A Healthy Diet During Ovarian Cancer
- How to Maintain a Healthy Diet During Chemotherapy
- 8 Secrets to a Long, Healthy Life: Jacques Houot and the Fountain of Youth
- Dig This: The Obstacles to Eating Healthy, and What You Can Do About It
- A Healthy Sex Life Is Possible Following Prostate Surgery
- Recommendations for a Healthy Lifestyle: One Doctor’s Advice for Cancer Survivors
- Sugar, The Western Diet And Cancer Prevention
Health Risks Associated With Ozempic
Although Al Roker didn’t use any weight loss drugs on his fitness journey, there are others who have experienced weight loss thanks to a highly popular drug known as Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide (known under the brand names Ozempic, Rybelsu, Wegovy).
However, it’s important to be aware of the negative side effects associated with these types of medication, and in Ozempic’s case, this includes an increased risk of cancer, healthcare company Lexicomp recently revealed.
Lexicomp explains Ozempic as “an injectable prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus that: along with diet and exercise may improve blood sugar (glucose),” noting it’s not the first choice of medicine for treating diabetes.
As for the most important information people should know before taking the drug, Lexicomp says Ozempic may cause serious side effects. Some of the possible side effects include:
- inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
- changes in vision
- low blood sugar, kidney problems
- kidney failure
- serious allergic reactions.
“The most common side effects of OZEMPIC may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain and constipation. Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away,” Lexicomp states.
“These are not all the possible side effects of OZEMPIC. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.”
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center also says, regarding Lexicomp’s warning, “This drug has been shown to cause thyroid cancer in some animals. It is not known if this happens in humans.
“If thyroid cancer happens, it may be deadly if not found and treated early. Call your doctor right away if you have a neck mass, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or have hoarseness that will not go away.
“Do not use this drug if you have a health problem called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you or a family member have had thyroid cancer.”
The side effects that call for immediate medical attention, in regard to all uses of the drug, the MSKCC lists as:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
- Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; change in stools; dark urine or yellow skin or eyes; or fever with chills.
- Severe dizziness or passing out.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Change in eyesight.
- Low blood sugar can happen. The chance may be raised when this drug is used with other drugs for diabetes. Signs may be dizziness, headache, feeling sleepy or weak, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. Follow what you have been told to do for low blood sugar. This may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or some fruit juices.
- Severe and sometimes deadly pancreas problems (pancreatitis) have happened with this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or severe upset stomach or throwing up.
For anyone using the drug for weight loss, they should speak with their doctor if they notice “new or worse behavior or mood changes like depression or thoughts of suicide.”
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Integral to blood sugar control, GLP-1 is a hormone released by the gut in response to food. It causes the pancreas to release insulin. A rising blood insulin level causes all the body tissues to start absorbing glucose (blood sugar) from the bloodstream, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. GLP-1 also prevents the release of glucagon, which is a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by stimulating liver cells to release glucose and helps people feel full for longer. These effects can also cause people to lose weight.
Modern studies on GLP-1 have shown that it has a role beyond glucose control. It modulates the immune system cells, including NK cells, in a way necessary for weight loss.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning that it mimics the effects of GLP-1 in the body. Given as weekly subcutaneous injections It is normally prescribed to manage blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. It also leads to a significant amount of weight loss in these patients.
Semaglutide Communicates With The Immune System
In a recent study, researchers studied the interaction between semaglutide and NK cell function in 20 patients with obesity. They were started on semaglutide therapy, given weekly, for 6 months. NK cells were isolated from these patients before commencing therapy and after 6 months of therapy completion. Their number and their function were measured to see if it was influenced by semaglutide.
Patients had no significant change in NK cell numbers after receiving semaglutide for 6 months. NK cell function, however, was significantly improved by the drug. The researchers detected a measured increase in cytokines after semaglutide therapy. Cytokines are small molecules released by NK cells that are essential to their function. This includes enhancing their anti-cancer activity. Additionally, 9 out of 20 patients had a significant change in their body weight during the study period.
It should be noted that this was a relatively small study of 20 patients. It nonetheless highlights an important benefit of semaglutide that should be explored in larger future studies.
Since the patients in the study lost weight, it is fair to question whether it was the weight loss or semaglutide that improved the NK cell function.
The researchers anticipated this confusion and tested whether the observed weight loss was associated with changes in NF-associated cytokine production. They found no correlation between the two, thereby demonstrating that the improved NK cell function was indeed due to the medication use. They further cemented this association by exposing extracted NK cells to GLP-1 directly, which caused them to significantly increase their cytokine production.
Semaglutide Carries Side Effects
Semaglutide is an invaluable addition to the repertoire of drugs used to fight diabetes and obesity and strengthen the immune system, as demonstrated by the study. However, like all drugs, it carries side effects that must be considered by anyone contemplating treatment with semaglutide.
Side effects include:
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Stomach Pain.
- Constipation or Diarrhea.
- Low blood sugar, which can cause dizziness, confusion, sweating, and headaches.
Most of these side effects can be managed with lifestyle modifications, such as eating more slowly and avoiding greasy and fried food.
Semaglutide can, occasionally, cause serious side effects, such as:
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney problems
- Allergic reactions
These side effects require prompt medical attention.
Although semaglutide has been approved for blood sugar control in people with type II diabetes, under the brand name Ozempic, and for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy, it has not been approved for use as an immune booster and cancer preventative. Thus, it should not be prescribed for that purpose. Those taking it to control their diabetes or weight, however, can expect the additional benefit of improving their immunity and lowering their cancer risk.
The current semaglutide landscape may change in the future as more and more studies discover its benefits beyond controlling diabetes and aiding in weight loss.
Obesity & Cancer Risk
Al Roker is in great shape and always working to maintain a healthy lifestyle since his recent health struggles and is way of living is certainly inspirational to anyone looking to get fit.
We’re happy to see Roker being so positive and understanding toward others trying to lose weight, especially because obesity increases an individual’s risk of developing a range of dangerous health conditions, including several types of cancer. In addition to increasing the likelihood of developing certain cancers, obesity is associated with worse treatment outcomes.
In a previous interview with SurvivorNet, Dr. Stephen Freedland of Cedars Sinai Medical Center said, “Some of the best data we have is that obesity increases the risk of not just getting prostate cancer, but actually dying from prostate cancer. Obese men are 35 percent more likely to die from prostate cancer.”
RELATED: The Link Between Obesity and Prostate Cancer
While obesity or a person’s high weight will not always cause them to develop cancer, other conditions associated obesity, like diabetes and heart disease, can lead to complications from cancer treatment if a person already has cancer. In addition, these conditions can sometimes prevent patients from receiving the recommended first-line therapies, as well as increase a patient’s risk of undergoing surgery.
Dr. Andrea Tufano-Sugarman of NYU Langone Health explained to SurvivorNet the benefits of losing weight.
“While all cancers cannot be prevented,” she said, “losing weight is a great way to reduce one’s risk.”
Dr. Tufano-Sugarman said that this is especially true for women; they lower their risk of developing breast cancer and endometrial cancer when they lose weight and keep it of.
How Can Diet Affect My Cancer Risk?
Even without losing weight, adopting a more nutritious diet can help.
“Food choices, independent of weight loss, may also help to reduce risk,” Dr. Tufano-Sugarman said.
“Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, fish and olive oil) is associated with a decreased risk of cancer. Whereas diets rich in red meat may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal and prostate cancer.”
Diet and Exercise Considerations for Cancer Survivors
We think its important to point out that it’s never a bad idea to try to lead a healthy lifestyle. But what should you know about maintaining good health and cancer risk? We’ve got you covered below.[
Thinking about Diet
Healthy diet recommendations for cancer-related concerns can differ depending upon who you ask.
Studies have shown that diet can influence cancer prevention. Heavy alcohol consumption and obesity have been linked to a number of cancers, so it’s a good idea to exercise and maintain a diet that incorporates more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while decreasing sodium and added sugar intake.
Sugar, specifically, has attracted a lot of attention for a possible role in cancer, but overwhelming medical evidence finds that sugar does not cause cancer. SurvivorNet has previously found that credible sources such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center all came to that same conclusion as well.
But there is still some debate on the subject. Dr. Brian Berman, director of the center for integrative medicine at the University of Maryland, believes sugar does, in fact, fuel cancer.
Below we have shared his views not because it is of equal scientific weight to the sources cited above, but rather because it is a view that does get a lot of attention and press.
Sugar, The Western Diet And Cancer Prevention
There’s also articles that often get published saying “this fruit” or “that vegetable” is the magical cure to cancer. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily the case.
Leading oncologists say it is always hard to use studies of a single food to make sweeping generalizations about their impact on health.
There is a variety of factors that can determine health risk and it is difficult, and perhaps impossible, to say that a single food such as mushrooms can have a direct impact on cancer risk. Many other factors such as overall diet, environmental risk, genetics and exercise play a role.
Dr. Ken Miller says a healthy diet and regular workout routine are important
Coping With Body Changes
People, including those diagnosed with cancer, should strive for a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a proper diet filled with fruits and vegetables and exercising – even minimally – can benefit overall health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “Being overweight or having obesity are linked with a higher risk of getting 13 types of cancer.”
Body weight that exceeds what the body mass index (BMI) deems appropriate for your weight and height can help determine body fat content. Although your BMI can help you learn if you are at a healthy weight, underweight, overweight, or obese, other factors may contribute to your overall health.
WATCH: Coping with body image.
Being Optimistic & Coping With Mental Health Long Term
It’s also important to take cate of your mental health while you are going through a health challenge, like a cancer diagnosis, or even just trying to lose weight, is certainly a process.
People may turn to many different avenues to help them cope, such as traditional therapy, support groups, meditation, and sometimes medical intervention such as antidepressants.
When faced with a new challenge, it’s important to make sure that these coping mechanisms you have to care for your mental health continue to work throughout the process.
“I think flexibility is really a core of how to manage it,” Dr. Samantha Boardman, a New York-based psychiatrist and author, previously told SurvivorNet. “Are your coping strategies that you’re using now, are they helpful in the way that they were in the past?”
Dr. Boardman encourages people who may be struggling with their mental well-being to take stock of their belief system and ask themselves the following questions:
- Could these beliefs be harming me (like feelings of self-doubt or negativity)?
- Is my mindset holding me back from positive steps forward?
Dr. Boardman suggests working to recognize any negative thoughts that may be making the process of cancer treatment more difficult, and trying to dismantle those to be more “realistically optimistic.”
SurvivorNetTV Presents: Breaking the Cycle The Power of Mindset
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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