The “No” That Matters: Why GLP-1s Aren’t Always the Answer After Cancer
Weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have been hailed as “medical miracles,” but for millions, the most frustrating part of the trend is being told the drug isn’t for them. Recently, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum and cancer survivor Teddi Mellencamp shared her frustration after her physician refused to prescribe GLP-1s for her steroid-induced weight gain.
“I gained weight from the steroids,” Mellencamp, 44, shared on her podcast. “Because I’m getting bigger… I asked my doctor if I could please have GLP-1s. And he was like, ‘No!’”
As a board-certified plastic surgeon who routinely prescribes these medications, I understand the frustration. Weight gain after cancer is rarely about “willpower”—it is a biological battle. However, in the wake of intensive treatment, a “no” from a doctor might actually be the highest form of care.
Reality star and cancer survivor Teddi Mellencamp’s recently complained that her physician refused to prescribe her GLP-1 medications for her treatment–related weight gain
🧬 The Biological Battle: Why Cancer Treatment Triggers Weight Gain
For survivors, the scale often moves in the wrong direction despite a perfect diet and exercise routine. This is driven by several metabolic “disruptors”:
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Steroids: Necessary for reducing inflammation but notorious for increasing fat storage and appetite.
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Hormonal Therapies: Can shift estrogen pathways and slow metabolism.
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Immunotherapy: While life-saving, it puts the body through immense physiological stress.
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Muscle Loss: Intensive treatments often reduce lean muscle mass, lowering the body’s resting metabolic rate.
🛑 3 Reasons a Doctor Might Deny GLP-1s Post-Cancer
While weight loss can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, the transition to metabolic drugs requires extreme caution.
1. Evolving Safety Data
Though GLP-1s are generally safe, long-term data for survivors is still being collected. Physicians are particularly cautious regarding:
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Thyroid Concerns: Early rodent studies showed a link to thyroid C-cell tumors. While not proven in humans, those with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome are generally excluded.
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Hormone Sensitivity: In cancers like breast or endometrial, the metabolic environment is already “intricate.” Adding a powerful metabolic agent requires careful, individualized coordination.
2. The Priority of “Nutritional Stabilization”
Immediately following cancer treatment, the body is in a state of deep recovery. Rapid weight loss can be counterproductive if it leads to the loss of lean tissue (muscle) rather than fat. A body needs a stable nutritional status and a robust immune system before introducing appetite suppressants.
3. Clinical Timing
Mellencamp revealed in 2025 that her skin cancer had spread to her brain and lungs. While she is currently cancer-free, she is still navigating the complications of immunotherapy. Many physicians prefer to wait until a patient is metabolically stable and further out from their last active treatment.
As of April this year, Mellencamp said that she is still undergoing immunotherapy and dealing with its complications, including hair loss, skin scarring and weight gain from steroids
Dr. Sheila Nazarian is the founder of Nazarian Plastic Surgery and NazarianSkin
📋 Post-Treatment Weight Management Checklist
| Strategy | Why It Matters |
| Resistance Training | Vital for rebuilding muscle mass lost during chemotherapy or surgery. |
| Nutritional Density | Supports immune function and metabolic repair. |
| Patience in Timing | Allows the body’s natural hormones to stabilize post-steroids. |
| Individualized Assessment | Ensures GLP-1s don’t interfere with long-term recovery markers. |
The Verdict: Is a “No” Forever?
Did Teddi Mellencamp’s doctor make the right call? Likely, yes.
Medicine is rarely one-size-fits-all. While GLP-1s may be on the table for Teddi in the future, the immediate post-treatment phase is about restoration, not restriction. For survivors, the best solution isn’t always the fastest one; it’s the most bespoke and thoughtful one.
Weight gain after cancer is a real, frustrating side effect that deserves serious attention. But the complexity of a body that has survived cancer deserves even more respect.
Are you or a loved one navigating weight changes after a major health battle? What strategies have you found most helpful for regaining a sense of control over your body?
