Semaglutide and Osteoarthritis: Does Semaglutide Help With Joint Pain?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects over 344 million people worldwide. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness that can severely limit mobility. The condition most commonly targets the knee, followed by the hip and hand, and can be triggered by obesity and metabolic diseases like diabetes.

In a promising development, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer behind Ozempic and Wegovy, recently shared phase 3 trial results of their semaglutide osteoarthritis trial. Is this potential link between semaglutide and osteoarthritis relief too good to be true?

Semaglutide Osteoarthritis Trial

Novo Nordisk recently conducted STEP 9, a phase 3 clinical trial studying the impact of semaglutide on osteoarthritis, specifically in the knee.. The trial targeted obese patients with a baseline WOMAC pain score of at least 40 out of 100, indicating moderate to severe pain. The WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index) is a widely used, 24-item questionnaire that measures pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis.

The trial included about 400 patients from 11 different countries with an average age of 56 and an average BMI of 40. The majority of participants were women, who are more frequently impacted by osteoarthritis.

The results from STEP 9 were promising: participants taking semaglutide experienced a substantial reduction in their WOMAC pain scores, with a mean change from baseline (70.9) to a decrease of –41.7 at week 68, compared to a reduction of –27.5 in the placebo group.

Why Semaglutide for Arthritis Works

Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has a lot of potential when it comes to joint pain relief. It:

Helps to manage type 2 diabetes
Aids in significant weight loss for obese individuals
May have anti-inflammatory properties

Diabetes and weight management with Semaglutide

Obesity and metabolic dysfunction, specifically diabetes, are key contributors to the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Semaglutide effectively manages both conditions by improving blood sugar control and promoting weight loss. This dual benefit not only reduces metabolic strain but also alleviates the extra pressure on weight-bearing joints

Anti-inflammatory effects of Semaglutide

Emerging research also suggests that semaglutide may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could further benefit those suffering from osteoarthritis by reducing joint pain and inflammation. Evidence suggests that semaglutide can lower certain inflammatory markers and adjust how the immune system responds.

Semaglutide for Arthritis vs Traditional Arthritis Treatments

Managing osteoarthritis knee pain often involves a combination of traditional treatments like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

For many patients, these methods can be effective, but they often come with limitations and potential risks with long-term use.

Unlike traditional methods, semaglutide doesn’t just minimize pain—it reduces the mechanical load on joints. The Step 9 trial showed that patients taking semaglutide experienced greater reductions in knee pain and improved physical function compared to those on a placebo.

Semaglutide is not yet approved for osteoarthritis treatment—and may never be FDA-approved under this indication. But its ability to address multiple underlying factors—such as obesity, inflammation, and metabolic issues—may offer a more comprehensive approach to managing osteoarthritis pain.

Semaglutide Arthritis Management Potential

Osteoarthritis management isn’t a one-and-done approach. It often requires a multifaceted strategy that addresses pain relief, joint function, and overall health. Semaglutide can complement traditional treatments like NSAIDs, physical therapy, and weight management programs—and even potentially reduce the need for some of these methods.

It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most effective treatment strategy tailored to your individual needs and health goals. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Together, you and your provider can create a comprehensive plan that best suits you.

Get Semaglutide Joint Pain Relief with Heally

If you’re dealing with obesity on top of your joint pain, semaglutide can help to treat both issues. By promoting weight loss, improving metabolic health, and potentially reducing inflammation, semaglutide may provide significant relief from osteoarthritis symptoms.

See if semaglutide is right for you. Explore your options with Heally. Schedule a consultation and get started today.