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Study · Systematic review · 2026

20 results

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Musculoskeletal Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Beaudart C, Malréchauffé Y, van Heden S, Sanchez-Rodriguez D, Scheen A, Bruyère O, Mobasheri A, Duque G, Rizzoli R, Reginster JY, Thiyagarajan JA

Drugs12 Sept 2026

Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: CC BY-NC. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study20

2 results from studies that gave the peptide. 2 results from people.

  1. 01HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, liraglutide was a main driver of lean/fat-free-mass reduction versus placebo in subgroup analyses; no native coefficient was provided.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, liraglutide was linked to lower lean/fat-free mass than placebo in subgroup analyses.

    Outcome
    DecreaseLean body mass or fat-free mass
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Placebo
    Outcome group
    Body composition · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Subgroup analyses showed that the effect was mainly driven by liraglutide and semaglutide, with a decrease in lean body mass/fat-free mass observed when GLP-1 RAs were compared with placebo.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.
  2. 02HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, semaglutide was a main driver of lean/fat-free-mass reduction versus placebo in subgroup analyses; no native coefficient was provided.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, semaglutide was linked to lower lean/fat-free mass than placebo in subgroup analyses.

    Outcome
    DecreaseLean body mass or fat-free mass
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Placebo
    Outcome group
    Body composition · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Subgroup analyses showed that the effect was mainly driven by liraglutide and semaglutide, with a decrease in lean body mass/fat-free mass observed when GLP-1 RAs were compared with placebo.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone18

In this study, the peptide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking the peptide.

  1. 03HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed no significant bone mineral density at all sites effect in the most-adjusted models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed no significant bone density effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeBone mineral density
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    No effect on bone outcomes (i.e., bone mineral density [all sites] and fractures [all sites]) were observed when the meta-analytical models included the most adjusted effect size.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  2. 04HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed no significant bone mineral density at all sites effect in the most-adjusted models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed no significant bone density effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeBone mineral density
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    No effect on bone outcomes (i.e., bone mineral density [all sites] and fractures [all sites]) were observed when the meta-analytical models included the most adjusted effect size.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  3. 05HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed no significant bone mineral density at all sites effect in the most-adjusted models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed no significant bone density effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeBone mineral density
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    No effect on bone outcomes (i.e., bone mineral density [all sites] and fractures [all sites]) were observed when the meta-analytical models included the most adjusted effect size.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Tirzepatide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Tirzepatide.

  4. 06HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed no significant fractures at all sites effect in the most-adjusted models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed no significant fractures effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeFractures
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    No effect on bone outcomes (i.e., bone mineral density [all sites] and fractures [all sites]) were observed when the meta-analytical models included the most adjusted effect size.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  5. 07HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed no significant fractures at all sites effect in the most-adjusted models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed no significant fractures effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeFractures
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    No effect on bone outcomes (i.e., bone mineral density [all sites] and fractures [all sites]) were observed when the meta-analytical models included the most adjusted effect size.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  6. 08HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed no significant fractures at all sites effect in the most-adjusted models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed no significant fractures effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeFractures
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    No effect on bone outcomes (i.e., bone mineral density [all sites] and fractures [all sites]) were observed when the meta-analytical models included the most adjusted effect size.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Tirzepatide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Tirzepatide.

  7. 09HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed decreased lean/fat-free mass; printed SMD +0.52 contradicts 95% CI -0.8 to -0.23 (I2 = 88%,heterogeneity P < 0.0001).

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed lean/fat-free-mass reduction; the reported estimate and interval signs conflict.

    Outcome
    DecreaseLean body mass or fat-free mass
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Body composition · Musculoskeletal

    Measurements

    Standardized mean difference
    0.52
    as printed;95% CI -0.8 to -0.23 contradicts positive SMD; I2 = 88%;heterogeneity P < .0001

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding muscle outcomes, a significant decrease of lean body mass/fat-free mass was consistently observed with GLP-1 RAs in the global model (k = 28, standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.8; -0.23, I2 88%, p-value for heterogeneity <0.0001), which rema…
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  8. 10HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed decreased lean/fat-free mass; printed SMD +0.52 contradicts 95% CI -0.8 to -0.23 (I2 = 88%,heterogeneity P < 0.0001).

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed lean/fat-free-mass reduction; the reported estimate and interval signs conflict.

    Outcome
    DecreaseLean body mass or fat-free mass
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Body composition · Musculoskeletal

    Measurements

    Standardized mean difference
    0.52
    as printed;95% CI -0.8 to -0.23 contradicts positive SMD; I2 = 88%;heterogeneity P < .0001

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding muscle outcomes, a significant decrease of lean body mass/fat-free mass was consistently observed with GLP-1 RAs in the global model (k = 28, standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.8; -0.23, I2 88%, p-value for heterogeneity <0.0001), which rema…
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  9. 11HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed decreased lean/fat-free mass; printed SMD +0.52 contradicts 95% CI -0.8 to -0.23 (I2 = 88%,heterogeneity P < 0.0001).

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed lean/fat-free-mass reduction; the reported estimate and interval signs conflict.

    Outcome
    DecreaseLean body mass or fat-free mass
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Body composition · Musculoskeletal

    Measurements

    Standardized mean difference
    0.52
    as printed;95% CI -0.8 to -0.23 contradicts positive SMD; I2 = 88%;heterogeneity P < .0001

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding muscle outcomes, a significant decrease of lean body mass/fat-free mass was consistently observed with GLP-1 RAs in the global model (k = 28, standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.8; -0.23, I2 88%, p-value for heterogeneity <0.0001), which rema…
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Tirzepatide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Tirzepatide.

  10. 12HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed no significant WOMAC pain effect in meta-analytical models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed no significant WOMAC pain effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeWOMAC pain
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Pain · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding joint outcome, models revealed no significant change in The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  11. 13HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed no significant WOMAC pain effect in meta-analytical models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed no significant WOMAC pain effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeWOMAC pain
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Pain · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding joint outcome, models revealed no significant change in The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  12. 14HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed no significant WOMAC pain effect in meta-analytical models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed no significant WOMAC pain effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeWOMAC pain
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Pain · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding joint outcome, models revealed no significant change in The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Tirzepatide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Tirzepatide.

  13. 15HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed no significant WOMAC physical function effect in meta-analytical models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed no significant WOMAC physical function effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeWOMAC physical function
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Exercise and physical function · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding joint outcome, models revealed no significant change in The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  14. 16HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed no significant WOMAC physical function effect in meta-analytical models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed no significant WOMAC physical function effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeWOMAC physical function
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Exercise and physical function · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding joint outcome, models revealed no significant change in The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  15. 17HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed no significant WOMAC physical function effect in meta-analytical models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed no significant WOMAC physical function effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeWOMAC physical function
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Exercise and physical function · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding joint outcome, models revealed no significant change in The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Tirzepatide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Tirzepatide.

  16. 18HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed no significant WOMAC stiffness effect in meta-analytical models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including liraglutide showed no significant WOMAC stiffness effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeWOMAC stiffness
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding joint outcome, models revealed no significant change in The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  17. 19HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed no significant WOMAC stiffness effect in meta-analytical models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide showed no significant WOMAC stiffness effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeWOMAC stiffness
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding joint outcome, models revealed no significant change in The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  18. 20HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed no significant WOMAC stiffness effect in meta-analytical models.

    In plain wordsIn included human studies, pooled GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide showed no significant WOMAC stiffness effect; the specific comparator was unstated.

    Outcome
    No significant changeWOMAC stiffness
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Regarding joint outcome, models revealed no significant change in The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness.
    6 context sentences
    Summary · context
    MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included.
    Summary · context
    A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies.
    Summary · context
    Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design.
    Summary · context
    Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data.
    Summary · context
    From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria.
    Summary · context
    Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others.

    In this study, Tirzepatide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Tirzepatide.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

  1. Version 4Current

    12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC

    Study results updated

  2. Versions 2 to 3

    9 Oct 2026, 03:07 UTC

    The same notice was added 2 times, first on 9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC. The status did not change between them.

    Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC

  3. Version 1

    9 Oct 2026, 03:04 UTC

    First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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