A recent trial has revealed that semaglutide, found in the diabetes drug Ozempic and weight-loss medication Wegovy, can significantly alleviate knee arthritis pain in obese individuals. The study, funded by Novo Nordisk, demonstrated that weekly injections of semaglutide led to substantial weight loss and subsequent improvements in knee pain and function.
Impact of Semaglutide on Weight and Knee Health
The trial involved 407 adults with obesity and diagnosed knee arthritis. Participants taking semaglutide experienced an average weight loss of nearly 14% over 68 weeks, compared to just 3% in the placebo group. This weight reduction directly correlated with decreased knee pain and enhanced physical function, as reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr. Henning Bliddal, a professor of rheumatology at Copenhagen University Hospital, emphasized that obesity significantly increases the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. The added weight accelerates the wear down of cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness. While weight loss is a recommended treatment, it can be challenging to achieve through diet and exercise alone.
Clinical Improvements and Expert Opinions
After 68 weeks, patients on semaglutide saw their knee pain scores drop by approximately 42 points on a 100-point scale, compared to a 28-point reduction in the placebo group. Semaglutide recipients also showed nearly twice the improvement in physical function scores (12 points versus 6.5 points).
Dr. Bob Carter, deputy director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, noted the magnitude of pain reduction was remarkable, calling it an almost 50% reduction in their knee pain.
Potential Alternative to Surgery
The study suggests that semaglutide could serve as a viable alternative to knee replacement surgery for obese patients with worsening knee arthritis. While surgery is generally effective, it is also expensive, highlighting the need for effective non-surgical treatments for knee pain.
