Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use May Reduce Disease Activity and Progression in Osteoarthritis and Inflammatory Arthritis.

Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus contribute to osteoarthritis (OA) through adipokine signaling, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, affecting both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing joints. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have rapidly expanded in use and promises musculoskeletal benefits beyond weight loss. Preclinical studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and chondroprotective effects, including reduced cytokine activity and cartilage matrix degradation. Randomized trials in knee OA show significant weight loss with modest improvements in pain and function, while observational data suggest possible cartilage preservation and reduced surgical rates, though results are mixed. Evidence in inflammatory arthritis is promising but limited.