Ozempic May Relieve Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis, New Study Suggests

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common and often painful condition affecting millions worldwide, especially older adults. As weight loss medications like Ozempic continue to gain traction for their positive impact on various health issues, new research suggests they may also provide relief for severe knee pain related to osteoarthritis. So, can GLP-1 and semaglutide weight loss drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy help manage knee pain—and should you consider them? Here’s what to know from the latest study findings. 

The study’s findings on Ozempic and knee pain

Published in The New England Journal of Medicine on October 30, the study led by Denmark’s Parker Institute examined Ozempic’s impact on knee osteoarthritis in 407 patients with obesity and moderate to severe knee pain. After 68 weeks, participants receiving weekly injections of semaglutide (Ozempic) reported a significant reduction in pain levels—around 41.7 points on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scale, compared to just 27.5 points in the placebo group. This improvement, nearly 50 percent in pain reduction, exceeded researchers’ expectations, offering new hope for patients with limited options beyond painkillers and surgery.

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In addition to reducing knee pain, participants on Ozempic also experienced notable weight loss—around 14 percent of their body weight on average. In comparison, those on the placebo lost only 3.2 percent. Weight loss is key in managing osteoarthritis symptoms since excess weight can put additional pressure on knee joints.

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What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, occurs when joint cartilage wears down over time, leading to painful bone-on-bone contact. It impacts 33 million American adults, and obesity is one of the leading risk factors. The knee joint is especially susceptible due to the load it carries, and managing pain is a challenge for many patients. Traditional treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery. However, these options may not work for everyone, and some patients are hesitant about surgery or prolonged medication use.

Ozempic’s dual role in knee pain and weight management

So, how does Ozempic help with knee pain? According to the study, it all comes down to weight loss itself. The dual benefit Ozempic offers both reduces knee pain and supports weight loss, which is beneficial for joint health. Excess weight not only increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis but also exacerbates symptoms. By helping patients manage their weight, Ozempic could reduce the load on knee joints, indirectly reducing pain over time.

However, the results of the study may not apply to everyone. One limitation of the study is that the majority of the people in the trial had a BMI of over 35, and almost half had a BMI of over 40. In other words, it remains unclear whether Ozempic would be as effective with people who aren’t obese struggling with knee pain. 

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What should older women take away from this study?

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For older women, osteoarthritis is particularly common, and weight can be a contributing factor. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis after menopause, potentially due to hormonal changes that affect joint health. Managing weight and inflammation through medications like Ozempic could be especially valuable for this demographic, potentially reducing pain while supporting overall mobility. 

However, while Ozempic shows promise for osteoarthritis pain, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before trying any new medication. Ozempic is not currently FDA-approved for osteoarthritis treatment, and as mentioned earlier, it may not be applicable fo all patients. Your healthcare provider can help assess whether it might be a suitable option based on your overall health, weight and treatment goals.