Morning Business Report: New studies link GLP-1 weight loss drugs to cancer benefits

New research suggests popular weight loss drugs may offer additional health benefits beyond helping patients lose weight.

(LILAMAX)- New research suggests popular weight loss drugs may offer additional health benefits beyond helping patients lose weight.

Four new studies found that people taking GLP-1 medications, including Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, saw reductions in tumor progression, lower overall chances of death and reduced risk of developing breast cancer.

Researchers say the findings add to a growing list of potential health benefits connected to the drugs.

In addition to lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss, GLP-1 medications are already approved for reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Researchers are also testing the drugs for possible benefits involving sleep apnea and addictive behaviors.

Meanwhile, new studies suggest master’s degrees may not be providing the job market advantage they once did.

A study from the Burning Glass Institute found some businesses are becoming less interested in hiring candidates with advanced degrees.

A separate study from Drexel University reported that 40 percent of employers do not plan to hire workers with advanced degrees this year, compared to 28 percent last year.

On Wall Street, the Dow climbed to a record high as traders closely monitored developments involving Iran.

Another new survey highlights the growing demands placed on small business owners.

The survey of 1,000 American entrepreneurs found the average small business owner takes on five different roles daily, including customer service representative, marketer, bookkeeper, social media manager and creative director.

The research, commissioned by Adobe Express and conducted by Talker Research, found entrepreneurs work more than 200 additional hours per year on average.

Ford CEO Jim Farley is also warning about a growing shortage of blue-collar workers in the United States.

Farley said workers who build homes, maintain infrastructure, manufacture products and support supply chains are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

He warned shortages in those industries could drive up prices for housing, vehicle maintenance and food.