Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Persons with Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis

This 68-week, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of once weekly subcutaneous semaglutide (2.4 mg) in 407 participants with obesity (BMI ≥30) and moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis pain. Semaglutide demonstrated superiority over placebo, with a mean body weight reduction of 13.7% (vs. 3.2% with placebo) and a significant improvement in WOMAC pain scores (41.7 vs. 27.5 points; both P<0.001). Secondary outcomes included enhanced physical function (SF 36 score) and reduced analgesic use. Serious adverse events were comparable between groups (10.0% vs. 8.1%), though gastrointestinal events led to more discontinuations in the semaglutide group (6.7% vs. 3.0%). The findings support semaglutide as a dual therapy for weight management and osteoarthritis pain relief in this population.

This 68-week, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of once weekly subcutaneous semaglutide (2.4 mg) in 407 participants with obesity (BMI ≥30) and moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis pain. Semaglutide demonstrated superiority over placebo, with a mean body weight reduction of 13.7% (vs. 3.2% with placebo) and a significant improvement in WOMAC pain scores (41.7 vs. 27.5 points; both P<0.001). Secondary outcomes included enhanced physical function (SF 36 score) and reduced analgesic use. Serious adverse events were comparable between groups (10.0% vs. 8.1%), though gastrointestinal events led to more discontinuations in the semaglutide group (6.7% vs. 3.0%). The findings support semaglutide as a dual therapy for weight management and osteoarthritis pain relief in this population.