Obesity management in the setting of endometrial cancer and hyperplasia: A narrative review

Abstract

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for endometrial cancer, driven by chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and excess estrogen. As the global obesity epidemic continues to worsen, effective weight management plays a crucial role in reducing both incidence and progression. Recent pharmacotherapy advancements, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, show promising weight loss effects by modulating appetite and metabolism. Preclinical studies suggest these agents may also influence cancer progression, though further clinical research is needed. Bariatric surgery remains the most effective long-term intervention for severe obesity, offering significant metabolic and hormonal benefits. Weight loss surgery is associated with reduced cancer risk and improvements in molecular markers, though findings on specific biomarkers remain inconsistent. This narrative review explores emerging weight loss interventions, focusing on novel pharmacologic agents and bariatric surgery, and their impact on endometrial cancer risk and outcomes.