Natural GLP-1 discovery hidden in joints could revolutionize arthritis treatment

• GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, however, they may also have positive effects on other health conditions.
• Researchers have been examining other potential uses for GLP-1 drugs outside of managing diabetes and weight loss, including treating rheumatic diseases.
• A new study has discovered small amounts of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone in the body’s synovial fluid, or joint fluid.
• Scientists believe this finding may potentially open up a new treatment option for various forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

There’s no denying the fact that the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications has been steadily increasing. Recent studies found that about one in every eight Americans and about one in 10 people in Great Britain are taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro for weight loss or type 2 diabetes treatment.

Over the last year, researchers have been examining potential uses for GLP-1 drugs outside of diabetes treatment and weight loss. For instance, past studies show that GLP-1s may also aid in treating cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Now, a new study published in the journal The Lancet Rheumatology has discovered small amounts of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone in the body’s synovial fluid, or joint fluid, potentially opening up a new treatment option for arthritis.