Can a Weight-Loss Drug Relieve Knee Pain? New Study Says Yes
A breakthrough weight-loss drug, semaglutide, has been shown to significantly reduce knee pain related to obesity and improve mobility, such as walking, according to a major clinical trial conducted in 11 countries. This is the first study proving that new-generation anti-obesity medications can also help treat arthritis. Notably, the pain relief provided by semaglutide is comparable to that of opioid medications.
Why Do Obesity Drugs Help with Other Conditions?
Henning Bliddal, a rheumatologist at Copenhagen University Hospital who contributed to the trial, noted that many participants experienced such significant pain reduction that they no longer met the criteria for the study. “They received such effective treatment that they were essentially treated out of the trial,” Bliddal said.
Leigh Callahan, an epidemiologist at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, said these findings could be particularly beneficial for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the study was funded by Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company that produces semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity. Bliddal had briefly consulted for the company during the trial’s planning phase.
The Growing Issue of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, which leads to stiff and painful joints, is common as people age, with the knee being the most affected joint. Obesity increases the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis due to added joint stress and worsens existing symptoms. Pain from this condition can make physical activity challenging, complicating weight loss through lifestyle changes alone.
Key Findings of the Trial
The trial included around 400 participants across five continents. They were randomly given weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo, alongside counseling on healthy eating and physical activity. At the start, the participants had obesity and an average pain score of 71 on a 100-point scale, indicating severe discomfort.
After 68 weeks, those taking semaglutide had lost significantly more weight and reported an average pain score drop of 42 points, compared to a 28-point reduction for the placebo group. Additionally, semaglutide users experienced better daily functioning, such as easier stair climbing.
Researchers suggest that pain reduction is partly due to less weight pressure on the knees, but the drug’s anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute to relief.
Long-Term Concerns and Advice
Despite the benefits, Bliddal voiced concerns about whether patients would need to take semaglutide long-term for sustained pain management. Weight typically returns once the medication is stopped, and it can be costly, with a month’s supply running into hundreds of dollars.
Callahan highlighted that while the trial results are promising, people should also adopt sustainable lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and overall health.
