A new study led by the University of Maryland School of Medicine suggests that weight loss drugs, specifically glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, may significantly reduce the need for knee replacement surgery in patients with osteoarthritis. Analyzing data from 2010 to 2024, researchers found a lower incidence of total knee replacements among GLP-1 users, with a more pronounced effect linked to longer treatment durations and newer drug versions such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. The findings indicate a potential disease-modifying activity beyond weight loss alone, potentially averting thousands of annual surgeries. Experts describe the research as encouraging, highlighting its implications for managing osteoarthritis, particularly in overweight or obese individuals.