Ozempic used to treat arthritis pain: report
Fox News medical commentator Dr. Marc Siegel appeared on “Fox & Friends” to discuss his views on Ozempic’s use to treat arthritis pain and why some doctors are warning that some medications may affect heat sensitivity.
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Among people with rheumatoid arthritis, GLP-1 drugs Patients taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic have reported improvements in the severity and frequency of their arthritis symptoms.
It’s “well-documented” that patients with autoimmune disease who are also obese “do worse than those who are at a healthy weight,” says Elizabeth Ortiz, M.D., a Texas-based rheumatologist and clinical advisor for Well Theory, a platform that specializes in treating autoimmune diseases.
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“The improvement in joint pain and joint inflammation is likely due to a combination of factors, weight loss being just one of them,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Because our understanding of the interplay between obesity, adipose tissue and inflammation is incomplete, it is difficult to attribute improvement in joint pain to a specific cause at this time,” she continued in the statement.
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis who use GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic have reported improvements in the severity and frequency of their arthritis symptoms. (iStock)
“We are beginning to learn about the direct anti-inflammatory effects of these agents, which, combined with weight loss, are likely to be beneficial for patients with autoimmune diseases.”
Does this mean that GLP-1 may eventually be prescribed? Arthritis patients?
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“There are certainly compelling anecdotes and emerging research about the anti-inflammatory effects of these agents,” Ortiz said, “but dedicated studies will be needed to evaluate their effectiveness in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis before they become part of standard care.”
As she predicted, what we will see in the near future is GLP-1 Tackling obesity Metabolic syndrome in patients with autoimmune arthritis.

“A recent meta-analysis suggests that these drugs may reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life by addressing the underlying inflammation and obesity,” one doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“Obesity is associated with worsening autoimmune and inflammatory conditions and poorer response to standard treatments,” she said.
” Rheumatoid arthritis “Patients with other autoimmune diseases are also at higher risk of cardiovascular disease than patients without these diseases, and the addition of GLP-1 therapy to immunomodulatory therapy may be an effective combination.”
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There are several potential risks to consider, experts said.
In addition to being at high risk, Cardiovascular diseasePeople with autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop osteoporosis, which weakens bones and can lead to fractures.
“This may be the result of a loss of muscle mass, something that is seen in many people taking GLP-1,” Ortiz said.
“Obesity is the gateway disease that underlies nearly all non-communicable age-related diseases.”
“This deserves special attention and consideration when determining how to most effectively use these agents in patients with autoimmune diseases.”
Another potential limitation to GLP-1 use is cost, she added.
“Expenses for autoimmune drugs are already very high, and the cost of GLP-1 therapy must be considered along with safety and efficacy,” Ortiz said.
Dr. Brett Osborne, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert at Senolytics, is a longtime advocate of semaglutide drugs (including Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound), which belong to the GLP-1 class of medications.

Obesity exacerbates inflammation throughout the body, primarily through visceral fat, said Dr. Brett Osborne, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert at Senolytics and a longtime advocate of the drug semaglutide. (Dr. Brett Osborne)
“These drugs reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and Quality of life “A recent meta-analysis suggests that by addressing the underlying inflammation and obesity, we may be able to prevent this disease,” Osborne told Fox News Digital.
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Doctors say rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by chronic inflammation, joint pain and recurrence, and people with high body fat and BMI are at higher risk of developing the disease.
“Why? Because obesity, primarily through visceral fat (the fat around the abdominal organs), exacerbates inflammation throughout the body and secretes cytokines, chemical messengers that increase inflammation,” Osborne says.

Cost may be a limitation to using GLP-1 drugs to treat arthritis: “The cost of autoimmune drugs is already very high, and the cost of GLP-1 therapy needs to be considered along with safety and efficacy,” said one physician. (Michael Silk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“This chronic inflammation can worsen RA symptoms and reduce the effectiveness of standard treatments,” the doctors added.
These drugs help people reduce their consumption Simple carbohydrates According to Osborne, fiber from foods like bread, pasta and rice contributes greatly to inflammation.
“By suppressing appetite and promoting healthier eating habits, GLP-1 drugs can help reduce intake of foods that cause inflammation.”
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In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, GLP-1 drugs are also useful in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Inflammatory bowel disease Doctors pointed to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other autoimmune disorders.
“Targeting obesity first can improve overall health and reduce the risk of diseases such as heart attack and stroke,” he added.

People with autoimmune diseases are not only at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, but they are also more likely to develop osteoporosis, which weakens bones and can lead to fractures. (iStock)
“Obesity is the gateway disease that underlies nearly all non-communicable age-related diseases.”
Osborne said GLP-1 drugs offer “great potential” for managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
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“It reduces inflammation, Healthy eating The patterns can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.”
But Osborne noted that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of GLP-1 drugs on autoimmune diseases.

GLP-1 drugs have “great potential” for treating rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, the doctor said. (iStock)
“These genetic diseases are caused by obesity-related inflammation, but an obesity-first approach isn’t suitable for all patients, and inflammation can go uncontrolled if the underlying condition isn’t addressed.”
Other potential risks associated with GLP-1 drugs, such as muscle loss, Ortiz said, “can be mitigated with careful monitoring by a doctor.” Skilled Doctor” said Osborne.
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Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovi, declined to comment on the potential effects on arthritis when contacted by Fox News Digital.





