Hormonal
In obese patients with preexisting hip or knee osteoarthritis, GLP-1 receptor agonist use is associated with a significantly reduced odds of conversion to total joint arthroplasty (THA and TKA) within one year, independent of weight loss.
If you are obese and have existing hip or knee osteoarthritis, using a GLP-1 receptor agonist (like semaglutide or liraglutide) is associated with a lower risk of needing joint replacement surgery within a year, even if your weight doesn't change significantly. This suggests the drug may have direct protective effects on your joints, not just benefits from weight loss. Discuss this potential benefit with your doctor, especially if you are considering these medications for weight management or diabetes.
In patients with preexisting OA, GLP-1-RA use correlated with reduced odds of conversion to THA (1.1% vs 2.2%; HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5 to 0.8) and TKA (1.4% vs 2.1%; HR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6 to 0.9) within 1 year.
Why this rating
Level of evidence 3 (cohort study) with large sample size but retrospective design and potential confounding.
Source
The Impact of Contemporary Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on the Onset, Severity, and Conversion to Arthroplasty in Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
Joshua R. Porto et al. · Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine · 2025
DOI 10.1177/23259671241297157
Related findings · Hormonal
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