Evidence is emerging that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties independent of their effects on weight loss. In this Review, the authors discuss the potential effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the incidence, disease activity and progression of various forms of arthritis, as well as practical considerations for their use in this context.

Nature Reviews Rheumatology, Published online: 01 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s41584-025-01302-0Evidence is emerging that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties independent of their effects on weight loss. In this Review, the authors discuss the potential effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the incidence, disease activity and progression of various forms of arthritis, as well as practical considerations for their use in this context.