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Can Weight Loss Medications Help With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?
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Can GLP-1 Medications Help With IBD Symptoms?
The link between GLP-1 agonists and easing symptoms of IBD isn't fully understood yet, but medications like Ozempic® and Mounjaro® are considered safe for those with Crohn’s or UC. Studies show that people with obesity and IBD are at higher risk of developing additional health issues, lending weight to exploring this intersection (3).
Both obesity and IBD involve chronic inflammation. This inflammation isn't just limited to the gut; it affects other organs too. Both conditions stimulate the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, making them potential targets for biological medications, like Infliximab or Humira which aim to calm down the immune response (4).
This commonality raises the question: Could GLP-1 agonists be helpful as additional therapies for IBD?
Promisingly, because GLP-1 medications promote weight loss and, therefore, reduce fat tissue, they might help downregulate pro-inflammatory molecules. This creates a hypothesis that inflammation could be reduced through weight loss, possibly improving outcomes for people with IBD (1). Since maximizing these weight loss benefits often relies on consistent lifestyle habits, focusing on daily routines can help patients achieve these anti-inflammatory goals more effectively.
A recent study in Denmark showed that GLP-1 agonists may improve the disease course of IBD. This study was done in patients who had both Type 2 Diabetes and IBD and observed clinical outcomes in patients who were taking GLP-1 agonist or DPP-4 inhibitors, another type of glucose-lowering medication. Based on previous studies done in mice, researchers observed that GLP-1 agonists/DPP-4 inhibitors work to reduce inflammation in the gut, so they proposed that the same mechanism may occur in humans (5, 6).
Human trials studying how GLP-1 agonists affect inflammation and overall treatment effectiveness could potentially improve the lives of those struggling with IBD and obesity. This promising potential of medications like Ozempic® and ulcerative colitis, Mounjaro®, and Crohn's Disease is a fascinating and crucial field for further research.
Explore GLP-1 medication options
Take control of your health with Mochi Health's comprehensive weight loss program, featuring tailored support and access to GLP-1 medications. Membership includes virtual visits with a Mochi provider, unlimited appointments with a registered dietitian, 24/7 customer support, and access to labs and genetic and sleep apnea testing. Find out if you're eligible for our program today.
References:
Zatorski, H., Sałaga, M., & Fichna, J. (2019). Role of glucagon-like peptides in inflammatory bowel diseases—current knowledge and future perspectives. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, 392(11), 1321–1330. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-019-01698-z
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2022b, May 16). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/inflammatory-bowel-disease
Arvanitakis, K., Koufakis, T., Popovic, D., Maltese, G., Mustafa, O., Doumas, M., Giouleme, O., Kotsa, K., & Germanidis, G. (2023). GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Obese Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: from Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Considerations and Practical Recommendations for Safe and Effective Use. Current Obesity Reports, 12(2), 61–74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00506-3
Alharbi, S. H. (2024). Anti-inflammatory role of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and its clinical implications. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism, 15, 20420188231222367–20420188231222367. https://doi.org/10.1177/20420188231222367
Villumsen, M., Schelde, A. B., Jimenez-Solem, E., Jess, T., & Allin, K. H. (2021). GLP-1 based therapies and disease course of inflammatory bowel disease. EClinicalMedicine, 37, 100979–100979. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100979
Anbazhagan AN, Thaqi M, Priyamvada S, Jayawardena D, Kumar A, Gujral T, Chatterjee I, Mugarza E, Saksena S, Onyuksel H, Dudeja PK. GLP-1 nanomedicine alleviates gut inflammation. Nanomedicine. 2017 Feb;13(2):659-665. doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.08.004. Epub 2016 Aug 20. PMID: 27553076; PMCID: PMC5501083.
This post was written by our team of health writers for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health. Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® and their delivery device are registered trademarks. Mochi Health is a telehealth clinic that offers prescriptions for these products by medical necessity only as determined by a licensed health provider.
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