A retrospective cohort study from 2018 to 2024 examined the effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and overweight or obesity. The study included 173 patients receiving semaglutide or tirzepatide and 42 controls. Findings revealed significant improvements in disease activity, pain, weight loss, and cardiometabolic outcomes in the treatment group. Despite these positive results, over one-third of patients discontinued treatment due to gastrointestinal side effects. Limitations included the study's single-center design and small sample size.

Source: ACR Open Rheumatology