GLP 1, Metabolism, and Cancer: What the Research Really Shows About Risks, Benefits, and Natural Support

A science-based look at how GLP-1 hormones influence metabolism, inflammation, and cancer-related pathways—plus natural strategies to support your body’s own GLP‑1 production.

Written and researched by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, Integrative Cancer Educator, Retired pharmacist, and founder of Prevail Over Cancer™ and the Prevail Protocol™.

GLP‑1, Metabolism, and Cancer

GLP-1 has become one of the most widely discussed hormones in modern health, largely because of medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. But long before these drugs existed, your body was already producing GLP-1 naturally.

And here’s the part most people don’t realize:

GLP‑1 doesn’t just influence appetite and blood sugar—it also affects inflammation, insulin signaling, immune function, and cancer-related metabolic pathways.

This blog breaks down:

• What GLP-1 does
• How to support it naturally
• What current research says about GLP‑1 and cancer
• Which cancers show potential benefit
• Which cancers show potential concern
• How to strengthen your metabolic terrain safely and naturally

If you want personalized guidance, you can explore Prevail Over Cancer Coaching, the Learning Center, or my nutrition and metabolic resilience programs.

What Is GLP‑1?

GLP‑1 (glucagon-like peptide‑1) is a hormone released from L‑cells in the small intestine and colon in response to food—especially fiber, polyphenols, and healthy fats.

GLP-1 helps regulate:

• Appetite and satiety
• Blood sugar and insulin response
• Inflammation
• Mitochondrial function
• Gut-brain communication
• Metabolic flexibility

Because these pathways overlap with cancer biology, researchers have begun studying GLP‑1’s potential role in cancer risk and progression.

Check out the FREE 20-minute Empowered Cancer Workshop.  There's one starting in a few minutes.

GLP‑1 and Cancer: What the Research Shows

Recent large-scale studies have examined whether GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) affect cancer risk. While medications are not equivalent to natural GLP-1 production, they provide insights into how GLP-1 signaling interacts with cancer-related pathways.

Key findings from recent research:

• A 2025 JAMA Oncology study of 86,632 adults found a 17% lower overall cancer risk among GLP-1RA users compared to non-users.
• Significant reductions were seen in endometrial, ovarian, and meningioma cancers.
• A nonsignificant trend toward increased kidney cancer risk was observed.
• Earlier potential concerns about pancreatic and thyroid cancer have not been supported in human data.
• Mechanistically, GLP‑1 reduces inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, and lowers chronic hyperinsulinemia—terrain factors linked to cancer progression.

Why GLP-1 may influence cancer biology

GLP-1 impacts several pathways relevant to cancer:

• Insulin & IGF‑1 signaling (lower insulin = lower cancer growth signaling)
• Chronic inflammation (GLP‑1 reduces IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP)
• Oxidative stress
• Immune function
• Adipose inflammation
• Metabolic flexibility

Because obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation are major cancer drivers, improving these pathways may reduce risk in certain cancers.

Cancers Showing Potential Benefit (Based on Current Evidence)

Cancers with reduced incidence in GLP‑1RA users

(From JAMA Oncology 2025 and ACS 2025 summaries)

• Endometrial cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Meningioma
• Possibly colorectal cancer (trend toward benefit)
• Possibly breast cancer (benefit likely mediated by weight loss & insulin reduction)
• Possibly liver cancer (due to improvements in fatty liver and inflammation)

Mechanisms behind the potential GLP-1 cancer benefit

• Lower insulin and IGF-1 signaling
• Reduced visceral fat and inflammation
• Improved metabolic health
• Lower oxidative stress
• Improved immune function

These are terrain-based pathways that influence cancer risk and recurrence.

Cancers Showing Potential Concern (Based on Current Evidence)

Kidney Cancer

• The 2025 JAMA Oncology study found a nonsignificant but elevated trend toward kidney cancer.
• Researchers emphasize that this may be due to confounding factors and that it requires long-term follow-up.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer (Rodent Data Only)

• Early rodent studies raised concerns, but human studies have not confirmed this risk.
• The FDA still includes a boxed warning for GLP‑1RAs as a precaution.

Pancreatic Cancer (Earlier Concerns Not Supported)

• Multiple human studies have found no increased risk.
• Early concerns were based on case reports and have not been validated with human data.

How to Support GLP‑1 Naturally

You don’t need medication to support GLP‑1. Your body already produces it—and you can enhance its production through diet, lifestyle, and gut microbiome strategies.

Foods That Boost GLP-1

High‑fiber foods

Soluble and fermentable fiber increases short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which stimulate GLP-1 release.

• Oats (important to choose organic to reduce glyphosate exposure)
• Beans & lentils
• Chia & flaxseed
• Apples, pears, berries
• Jerusalem artichoke, onions, garlic

Polyphenol-rich foods

Polyphenols improve L‑cell function and microbiome diversity.

• Pomegranate
• Berries
• Green tea
• Cocoa
• Extra‑virgin olive oil

Healthy fats

Fat activates receptors that trigger GLP‑1 release.

• Olive oil
• Avocado
• Nuts & seeds
• Fatty fish

Fermented foods that support GLP-1

Support mucin production and SCFA-producing bacteria.

• Kefir (choose brands with low carbohydrate levels)
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Yogurt

Resistant starch supports GLP-1

Feeds SCFA‑producing bacteria.

• Cooked‑and‑cooled potatoes
• Green bananas
• Lentils
• Oats (due to probable glyphosate loads I do recommend organic)

Lifestyle Strategies That Increase GLP-1

• Intermittent fasting
• Exercise (especially resistance training)
• Sleep optimization
• Stress reduction
• Walking and heel raises after meals

Supplements That Support GLP-1

(General information only—not medical advice)

• Berberine
• Inositol
• Magnesium
• Green tea extract (EGCG)
• Probiotics & prebiotics

Learn about ProtiSorb™ enhanced polyphenol absorption. 

Want Clarity and Personalized Cancer Support?

Prevail Over Cancer: Your Partner in Evidence-Based Cancer Nutrition

At Prevail Over Cancer, we help patients, caregivers, and clinicians cut through misinformation and build confidence with evidence-based, actionable strategies.

We provide:

• The Prevail Over Cancer Learning Center — free, science-backed articles and guides
  https://www.prevailovercancer.com/learning-center
• Cancer Nutrition Academy Courses — deep‑dive modules on anticancer foods, metabolic strategies, and terrain-based nutrition
  https://www.prevailovercancer.com/academy
• 1:1 Personalized Cancer Coaching — tailored guidance for patients and caregivers
  https://www.prevailovercancer.com/coaching
• The Prevail Over Cancer Podcast Show — expert interviews and practical insights
  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBC_ThCJPWZvnLxWSIVuvyCMJa0Ce5nya&si=Gka0MokzgC1Dppgx

GLP-1 Research References

GLP‑1 Physiology, Mechanisms & Metabolic Effects

• Steinert RE, et al. GLP‑1 physiology, secretion, and metabolic effects. Physiol Rev. 2017;97(2):411‑471. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28003328/ 
• Drucker DJ. Mechanisms of action and therapeutic application of GLP‑1. Cell Metab. 2018;27(4):740‑756. https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(18)30179-7 
• Holst JJ. The physiology of GLP‑1 and its role in metabolic disease. Diabetologia. 2020;63(10):2125‑2136. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17928588/ 

Microbiome → SCFA → GLP‑1 Pathways

• Tolhurst G, et al. Short‑chain fatty acids stimulate GLP‑1 secretion via FFAR2. Diabetes. 2012;61(2):364‑371. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22190648/ 
• Canfora EE, et al. Gut microbial metabolites and metabolic health: SCFAs and GLP‑1. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2019;15(5):259‑272.
• Musso G, et al. Gut microbiota, SCFAs, and metabolic inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2017;152(7):1671‑1686.

3. Dietary Factors That Influence GLP‑1

Fiber, Resistant Starch, Fermentable Carbohydrates, and GLP-1

• Chambers ES, et al. Resistant starch increases GLP‑1 and improves insulin sensitivity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(1):55‑64.

Healthy Fats and GLP-1

• Jang HJ, et al. Free fatty acids stimulate GLP‑1 secretion via GPR120. Endocrinology. 2007;148(6):2601‑2609.

Polyphenols and GLP-1

• González‑Sarrías A, et al. Pomegranate polyphenols modulate gut microbiota and metabolic pathways. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017;61(12).

Nuts and Seeds GLP-1

• Panahi S, et al. Pistachio consumption and GLP‑1–related appetite regulation. Nutr J. 2014;13:82.
• Guo X, et al. Walnut consumption improves satiety and metabolic markers. J Am Coll Nutr. 2017;36(8):650‑658.

Green Tea / Catechins and GLP-1

• Hursel R, et al. Green tea catechins and GLP‑1 secretion. Int J Obes. 2011;35(6):712‑719.

Allulose AND GLP-1

• Greenway FL, et al. Allulose improves postprandial glucose and increases GLP‑1. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1783.

Supplements Influencing GLP‑1 Pathways

• Derosa G, et al. Berberine improves metabolic parameters and increases GLP‑1 secretion. Metabolism. 2012;61(3):367‑371.
• Paniagua JA. Nutrition, insulin resistance, and GLP‑1 signaling. Nutrients. 2016;8(11):793.

Lifestyle Factors (Exercise, Sleep, Stress) and GLP-1

• Pedersen BK, et al. Exercise‑induced GLP‑1 secretion and metabolic benefits. J Physiol. 2019;597(14):3567‑3579.
• St‑Onge MP, et al. Sleep restriction reduces GLP‑1 and increases hunger. Sleep. 2012;35(11):1505‑1510.
• Santisteban MM, et al. Stress, inflammation, and metabolic hormones including GLP‑1. Brain Behav Immun. 2020;83:264‑276.

GLP‑1, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress & Immune Function

• Drucker DJ. GLP‑1 receptor agonists and inflammation. Nat Rev Immunol. 2021;21(6):345‑358.
• Lee YS, et al. GLP‑1 reduces inflammation and improves immune signaling. Cell Metab. 2018;27(6):1150‑1160.
• Ceriello A, et al. GLP‑1 reduces oxidative stress and improves endothelial function. Diabetes Care. 2014;37(1):193‑201.

GLP‑1 & Cancer‑Related Evidence

• Sattar N, et al. GLP‑1 receptor agonists and cancer outcomes: meta‑analysis of randomized trials. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2021;23(3):682‑687.
• Pottegård A, et al. GLP‑1 receptor agonists and thyroid cancer risk: nationwide cohort study. BMJ. 2018;362:k4880.
• Nauck MA, et al. GLP‑1 receptor agonists and pancreatic safety: updated evidence. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(4):983‑990.

Randomized Controlled Trials with Cancer‑Related Secondary Outcomes

• Marso SP, et al. Liraglutide and cardiovascular outcomes: secondary cancer analyses. N Engl J Med. 2016;375:311‑322.
• Mann JFE, et al. Semaglutide and long‑term safety outcomes including cancer. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017;5(4):251‑260.

Additional Mechanistic or Terrain‑Relevant Studies

Insulin, IGF‑1, and Metabolic Signaling

• Nauck MA, et al. Incretin hormones and insulin secretion. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2021;9(6):356‑370.

Gut Microbiome & Metabolic Terrain

• Musso G, et al. Gut microbiota, SCFAs, and metabolic inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2017;152(7):1671‑1686.