Arthritis sufferers could get relief from their painful symptoms by using weight-loss jabs, a study has found.
Medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy, prescribed for obesity and type 2 diabetes, have been shown in recent years to significantly lower the risk of several diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
It now seems that these drugs, known as GLP-1 agonists, also help alleviate the painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis—a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, resulting in painful swelling.
A study released last week in the Journal of the American College of Rheumatology revealed that patients receiving low doses of semaglutide or tirzepatide—the active components of these drugs—experienced notable pain reductions.
‘There is now strong evidence that these medications can decrease inflammatory cells throughout the body,’ said Professor Andrew Cope, a rheumatology specialist at King’s College London. ‘This study demonstrated reduced pain in patients who weren’t significantly overweight, with a BMI around 27. Many patients in clinics have a higher BMI, so the benefits for those struggling with weight could be even more substantial.
‘In rheumatoid arthritis, these drugs can inhibit the production of the specific cells that cause flare-ups, similar to existing treatments—but they also have additional anti-inflammatory benefits. They truly are remarkable drugs in many ways.’
Experts say the findings could change the way that rheumatoid arthritis is treated.
Professor Cope further mentioned: ‘The application of these drugs is likely to grow, offering us an opportunity to tailor care for rheumatoid arthritis more effectively. Although they won’t replace current medications, used together they could become a valuable tool.’
More than 1.3 million people in the UK have rheumatoid arthritis. The most common symptoms are joint pain, swelling and stiffness – typically in hands and feet. Many patients also experience fatigue, sweating and poor appetite.
Women are three times more likely to develop the condition than men, and it often runs in families.
There is currently no cure, but drugs are prescribed to control symptoms. Weight-loss jabs are not among them – however, some patients prescribed the injections for obesity are reporting dramatic improvements.
American mother-of-one Cassandra Smith, 30, says her life has been transformed by tirzepatide. The teacher was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis three years ago and would often be left bedbound by flare-ups.
‘Pain would start in my shoulders and slowly work its way down my body, sometimes taking three days before I could move again,’ she said.
Weighing more than 22 stone, Cassandra was told by her rheumatologist that losing weight was the best way to lessen symptoms. But after trying various diets programmes with no success, she was prescribed tirzepatide nine months ago.
‘Within three weeks tests showed my inflammation had returned to normal, and two weeks later all the pain was gone,’ she said. ‘I’ve gone from frequent flare-ups to not having one in months. It has changed my life.’
The biggest benefit is likely to be for patients with both rheumatoid arthritis and obesity. But under current NHS rules, they are not eligible for the jabs.
‘The proportion of patients we see in clinic with obesity is rising,’ said Professor James Galloway, a rheumatology researcher at King’s College London. ‘Around half would be considered obese. Current medicines are often less effective in these patients, partly because of the higher dose needed and the extra burden of weight.
‘Yet arthritis is not currently listed as a co-morbidity that allows access to these drugs on the NHS.’
NHS guidelines state patients must have a BMI over 40 and at least four other health conditions, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes, to qualify for the jabs.
‘I think this will change, but we do need more research, which is ongoing,’ Professor Galloway said.
Dr Lucy Donaldson, director of research at the charity Versus Arthritis, urged caution. She said: ‘We are monitoring the research, but there is not yet enough evidence to know the effects of weight-loss injections, or how they interact with existing treatments.
‘This study is interesting but has limitations which make it hard to be certain of the direct contributions of GLP-1 agonists.
‘We recommend that anyone using, or considering using, weight-loss medications does so with the knowledge and support of their medical practitioner.
‘These drugs have side effects and risks and should only be taken under clinical supervision, alongside lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and appropriate physical activity.’
