What you’ll learn:
- Ozempic® helps control blood sugar and promote weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1.
- Ozempic® and other GLP-1 medications carry a warning for thyroid cancer, but studies show they are unlikely to increase the risk significantly.
- Noom Med provides personalized support and guidance for those using medications like Ozempic®, ensuring safe and effective treatment management.
Ozempic® has become an important option for many trying to shed pounds to improve their health. Approved by the FDA to treat diabetes, it can be prescribed off-label for weight loss, and it generally has mild side effects. However, like all medications, it’s not without risks. One concern that’s emerged is the link between Ozempic® and the potential to develop thyroid cancer.
Ozempic® contains an FDA-mandated boxed warning about thyroid tumors and cancers, but what does that mean? One thing it doesn’t mean is that any human cases of thyroid cancer have been tied to Ozempic, semaglutide (its active ingredient), or other GLP-1 medications. While some animal studies have raised red flags, current research suggests that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® probably don’t significantly increase thyroid cancer risk. Still, whenever there’s talk of cancer, it’s understandable to feel uneasy and want to dig deeper.
We get it—navigating the research can be confusing, and figuring out what it means for your health isn’t always easy. Let’s dive in and unpack the connection between Ozempic® and thyroid health together.
If you want to learn more, see if you qualify for Noom Med. You’ll be paired with a clinician who can determine if Ozempic® or another medication is right for you. They’ll also support you through getting a prescription, taking it, and managing the side effects.
How Ozempic® could impact the thyroid
The semaglutide in Ozempic® works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar and controlling appetite. But what does all this have to do with the thyroid?
The connection has to do with the way GLP-1 receptor agonists work. These medications act on GLP-1 receptors, which are located throughout the body. They are mainly in the pancreas, which regulates insulin, but they can also be found in thyroid cells, the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and even the brain. This is why these medications can result in side effects unrelated to weight loss.
In animal studies, GLP-1 receptor agonists binding to receptors in the thyroid were shown to lead to abnormal cell growth and thyroid tumors.
Again, this was only found in animal studies. Due to these studies, manufacturers still have to include warning labels about the possibility of developing thyroid tumors. However, it is not yet clear whether the same is true for humans.
Current research on Ozempic® and thyroid cancer
When scientists looked at the effects of Ozempic® in humans, the results were much more reassuring:
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Medications require consultation and prescription by clinician through Noom platform. Not all customers will qualify for prescription. Compounded semaglutide is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy or quality.
- A 2022 French study that examined a range of diabetes medications found a slightly higher rate of thyroid cancer in some people who used GLP-1s. However, out of 2,562 people with thyroid cancer in the study, only 307 had ever taken a GLP 1 medication and the increased risk was not statistically significant. As a result, the overall risk remains low, though caution is advised due to preclinical findings in animals.
- A large-scale study of over 145,000 people taking GLP 1s found no significant increase in thyroid cancer risk compared to other diabetes treatments.
- A comprehensive review of ten randomized controlled trials that involved 14,550 people, with 7,830 receiving semaglutide, found that the incidence of thyroid cancer in people taking semaglutide was negligible (less than 1%).
- The European Medicines Agency (EMA) also examined the evidence and concluded that it doesn’t support a link between GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic®) and thyroid cancer.
What does this mean for you?
All this research points to a very low risk of thyroid cancer from using Ozempic®. Experts generally agree that the thyroid concerns seen in animal studies don’t seem to apply to humans. So far, ongoing monitoring of people using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® hasn’t shown any significant increase in thyroid cancer rates.
While the research is reassuring, it’s worth noting that Ozempic® has only been on the market since 2017. Long-term studies on the medication are still being conducted.
It’s important to balance this info with your personal health situation. If you have a history of thyroid issues, especially certain types of thyroid cancers, your doctor might suggest exploring other options.
The best thing you can do is stay informed and have open conversations with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the benefits and potential risks based on your unique health history, making sure your treatment plan is the best fit for you.
Your questions answered: Ozempic® and thyroid health
Do you still have questions about Ozempic® and your thyroid? Here are some common answers to help you better understand the current research and recommendations.
What precautions should people take if they’re concerned about thyroid cancer risk?
Those who have preexisting conditions that may predispose them to thyroid cancer or a personal or family history of certain thyroid conditions should not take Ozempic® or semaglutide. These include medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), an endocrine system condition. Be sure to discuss your full health and family history with your doctor before taking Ozempic®.
What are the early signs of thyroid cancer to watch for?
Even though thyroid cancer has not been seen in people using Ozempic®, you need to watch out for potential symptoms, including:
- A lump or swelling in your neck
- Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent throat pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, get immediate medical attention for further evaluation.
The role of Noom in guiding your health journey
The bottom line is research shows that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® don’t significantly increase the risk of thyroid cancer. That’s good news, but keep in mind that everyone’s health journey is unique. This is where personalized support really makes a difference.
If you qualify, Noom Med helps you connect the dots between medical insights and your specific needs. It supports people taking Ozempic® or another GLP-1 medication by combining personalized medical care with Noom’s psychological tools for lasting weight loss. If you’re looking for a lower-cost alternative, Noom Med also offers compounded semaglutide* (the active ingredient in Ozempic) through Noom GLP-1ᴿˣ. See if you qualify.
If you’re already taking a GLP-1, our GLP-1 Companion will provide tools like nutrition guidance, fitness support, and muscle defense strategies to help you manage your weight. It will also help you manage any side effects you may experience while taking GLP-1 medications. Sign up for Noom today!
*Compounded semaglutide available on the Noom platform is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.
Note: Ozempic® is not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.
