Semaglutide, the active ingredient in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, continues to reveal new health benefits, with a recent large-scale study highlighting its significant impact on knee pain for people with moderate to severe osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis, results from the gradual wearing down of the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, similar to the erosion of a tire’s tread. Dr. Vinay K. Aggarwal of NYU Langone explained that it commonly affects the hips and knees, causing pain in areas like the groin and various parts of the knees.

The new study investigated whether semaglutide, which was originally developed for diabetes treatment and mimics the body’s GLP-1 hormone, could help ease osteoarthritis-related pain. The outcomes surpassed expectations. Dr. Bob Carter of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases called the improvement “unprecedented,” noting nearly a 50% reduction in knee pain among participants, which is remarkable compared to existing treatments.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, monitored 407 obese individuals with knee osteoarthritis over 68 weeks. To participate, subjects had to exhibit specific symptoms, including morning stiffness and creaking knees. Initial pain assessments using a 100-point scale averaged 70.9 points, indicating severe discomfort. Many of the participants, mostly women with an average age of 56 and a body mass index (BMI) of 40.3, faced significant limitations in mobility and exercise.

Throughout the study, participants received exercise counseling and followed a calorie-restricted diet. They were randomly given either a placebo or Wegovy, a weight-loss drug. Those taking semaglutide lost an average of 13.7% of their initial weight, while the placebo group lost just 3.2%. While weight loss with semaglutide was expected, the level of pain relief astonished researchers. The placebo group reported a 27.5-point drop in pain, whereas the semaglutide group experienced a reduction of 41.7 points.

This impressive pain reduction surpasses other non-surgical treatments like steroid injections or over-the-counter pain medications, which can have long-term adverse effects. Dr. Carter emphasized the importance of finding effective, affordable alternatives to knee surgery.

Although aging and genetics contribute to osteoarthritis and are unavoidable, factors like obesity and physical activity can be managed. Obesity significantly worsens osteoarthritis, as excess weight places multiplied pressure on knee joints. Semaglutide’s dual benefits—weight loss and anti-inflammatory effects—make it particularly promising. It also activates immune cells that can reduce inflammation.

These findings add to the growing list of semaglutide’s health benefits. Other studies suggest that it may help combat kidney disease, improve exercise capacity in heart failure patients with diabetes, and even reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in those who are overweight or obese. Preliminary research also indicates potential neuroprotective effects, raising hopes that semaglutide could defend against Alzheimer’s disease.