Weight-loss drugs may prevent thousands of knee replacements, study suggests
Summary
A new study suggests that taking certain weight-loss drugs for at least three years may reduce the need for knee replacement surgery in people with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers found that these drugs, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, could lower the risk of surgery by reducing joint pain and inflammation, especially in people who are overweight.Key Facts
- Knee osteoarthritis affects millions worldwide, with over 14 million in the US and 5 million in the UK.
- Being overweight increases the risk of knee arthritis by putting extra pressure on the joints.
- The study reviewed data from 6.8 million adults with knee osteoarthritis between 2010 and 2024.
- Patients using GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, semaglutide, or tirzepatide were compared to those not using these drugs.
- Taking GLP-1 drugs for one year reduced the risk of knee replacement surgery by 1.4% after 3 years and 2.8% after 8 years.
- Using newer weight-loss drugs semaglutide or tirzepatide for three years lowered surgery risk by nearly 5% after 8 years.
- If all eligible patients with knee arthritis and obesity used these drugs for three years, it could prevent up to 14,400 knee replacements yearly in the US and 1,500 yearly in the UK.
- Experts warn that these drugs are not approved specifically to treat osteoarthritis and should not be used for this purpose outside clinical trials.
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