Natural GLP-1 discovery hidden in joints could revolutionize arthritis treatment

There’s no denying the fact that the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications has been steadily increasing. Recent studies found that about one in every eight Americans and about one in 10 people in Great Britain are taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic , Zepbound , or Mounjaro for weight loss or type 2 diabetes treatment.

Over the last year, researchers have been examining potential uses for GLP-1 drugs outside of diabetes treatment and weight loss. For instance, past studies show that GLP-1s may also aid in treating cardiovascular disease , chronic kidney disease , non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) , polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) , and rheumatic diseases , such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis .

Now, a new study published in the journal The Lancet Rheumatology has discovered small amounts of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone in the body’s synovial fluid , or joint fluid, potentially opening up a new treatment option for arthritis .