Ask The Doctors: February 2025

GLP-1 drugs for weight loss... Timing of joint replacement

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Q. I have osteoarthritis in my knees and am overweight. I’ve had difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise. Should I try a GLP-1 medication?

A

The GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) have changed the weight loss field. Cost, access and whether you are a good candidate for these medications are all considerations. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (October 2024) of semaglutide for people with obesity and knee osteoarthritis showed greater reductions in weight and knee pain for those on semaglutide compared with placebo.

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