Weight-loss drugs may prevent thousands of knee replacements, study suggests
A recent study suggests that weight-loss drugs may significantly reduce the need for knee replacement surgeries among patients with knee arthritis. Researchers found that taking medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide for three years could lower the risk of surgery by nearly 5%. The findings highlight the potential benefits of weight management in treating osteoarthritis, although caution is advised regarding the use of these drugs for this purpose.
- ▪Taking weight-loss drugs for at least three years could prevent thousands of knee replacements annually.
- ▪The study analyzed data from 6.8 million adults diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis between 2010 and 2024.
- ▪If all eligible patients took semaglutide or tirzepatide for three years, there could be up to 14,400 fewer knee replacements in the US each year.
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Being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of developing knee arthritis, by placing greater load on the joints. Photograph: Portra/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenBeing overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of developing knee arthritis, by placing greater load on the joints. Photograph: Portra/Getty ImagesOsteoarthritisWeight-loss drugs may prevent thousands of knee replacements, study suggestsPatients with knee arthritis who took medications for at least three years at reduced risk of needing surgeryAnna Bawden Health and social affairs correspondentTue 2 Jun 2026 18.30 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleTaking weight-loss drugs for at least three years could prevent thousands of knee replacements a year, research suggests.Globally, more than 500…
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