According to The Guardian, knee osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide.
The condition can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, and many patients ultimately require knee replacement surgery.
According to The Guardian, excess weight is one of the most important factors contributing to the progression of the disease, as it places greater stress on the knee joints.
Millions of patients studied
Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine examined health data from 6.8 million adults with knee osteoarthritis between 2010 and 2024.
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They compared patients who had received GLP-1 medications with similar patients who had not received the treatment.
The participants were followed for up to eight years after their diagnosis.
Fewer surgeries
Previous studies have shown that weight-loss medications can reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis.
The new research, published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, investigated whether the medications could also affect the need for surgery.
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The results showed that patients who had taken drugs such as semaglutide or tirzepatide for several years had a lower risk of eventually undergoing knee replacement surgery.
The researchers believe the treatment could potentially lead to fewer knee surgeries each year.
At the same time, experts emphasize that the study does not prove that the medications directly prevent surgery. The drugs are also not approved as a treatment for osteoarthritis.
Sources: The Guardian and Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.
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