Are GLP-1 Medications Safe for People with Lupus? A Closer Look
- rosetakelli
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have become a hot topic for their effectiveness in weight loss and managing blood sugar. For individuals with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes systemic inflammation leading to pain and fatigue, weight management can be a significant challenge due to medication side effects and disease symptoms. This has led many to wonder: are GLP-1 drugs a safe and viable option for those with lupus?
The answer is complex and this short blog is but a morsel of information on the subject. While GLP-1 medications show promise and may offer benefits, it's crucial to weigh the potential risks and have an in-depth discussion with your healthcare team.
The Weight of Lupus: Why Management Matters
Weight gain is a common struggle for people with lupus. It's often a side effect of life-saving medications, particularly corticosteroids like prednisone, which can increase appetite and cause fluid retention. Furthermore, the fatigue and joint pain associated with lupus flares can make regular exercise difficult.
A recent study sponsored by the NIH suggests that women with lupus are likely to be impacted by obesity than the general population. The study also shows that women who were diagnosed with both lupus and obesity have more limitations in their daily lives, are more likely to suffer from a disability, and are less likely to be employed than women who are not obese.
Carrying excess weight can impact a person's physical and emotional well-being, worsen lupus symptoms, and increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease—a concern already heightened for many with lupus. This makes effective weight management a key component of overall lupus care. Cardiovascular disease is one of the top reasons for early mortality with lupus, and something that can be managed if steps are taken to improve a person's lifestyle choices, diet, and maintain a healthy BMI. That is why considering a GLP-1 medication for some may be beneficial.
If lupus nephritis (lupus of the kidneys) is a factor, the benefits could be even lifesaving.
“The risk of cardiovascular disease is thought to be at least double in people with lupus. And the chance of progressing to end-stage renal disease [ESKD] for lupus nephritis patients can be as high as 10%-30%. This highlights an urgent need for innovative approaches that go beyond our usual immunosuppressive therapies.” -Dr. April Jorge, quoted from ACR 2024
In a recent study, by Dr. Anna-Kay Palmer from Jefferson Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia, research showed that GLP-1 RAs helped slow the progression of kidney disease in lupus nephritis patients, likely by lowering levels of inflammation and reducing the risk of progression to ESKD by targeting pro-inflammatory pathways.
The Potential Benefits of GLP-1s for Lupus Patients
Weight Loss: GLP-1 drugs have been shown to lead to significant weight loss, which can alleviate stress on joints and improve overall physical function.
Blood Sugar Control: Many people with lupus are also at risk for type 2 diabetes, often due to steroid use. GLP-1 drugs help regulate blood sugar, offering a dual benefit.
Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Emerging research suggests that GLP-1 medications may have anti-inflammatory properties by reducing certain inflammatory markers, which could potentially complement existing lupus treatments.
The Cautious Conversation: Potential Risks and Concerns
While the potential benefits are compelling, there are important safety considerations to address:
Drug-Induced Lupus: A handful of case reports have raised concerns about a potential link between GLP-1 drugs and drug-induced lupus (DIL), a condition that mimics the symptoms of lupus and typically resolves after the medication is stopped. While rare, this risk is a significant consideration for anyone with an existing autoimmune condition.
Immune System Effects: Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system is overactive. While some studies suggest GLP-1s might have beneficial immunomodulatory effects, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term impact on the complex immune system of a lupus patient.
Drug Interactions: It's essential to discuss all of your medications with your doctor, as GLP-1s could have interactions with other lupus treatments. For instance, combining them with hydroxychloroquine may require extra monitoring.
Gastrointestinal Issues: GLP-1 medications can slow down stomach emptying, which may be a concern for lupus patients who already experience digestive issues.
Another Observation:
Our obsession with weight is deeply ingrained in our society. From daily weigh-ins to constant talk about diets and body transformations, it’s easy to believe that the number on the scale is a direct measure of our worth.
Redefining Your Self-Worth and breaking the link between your weight and your self-worth is a crucial step toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Here are a few ways to start:
Focus on what your body can do. Instead of obsessing over how your body looks, appreciate its capabilities. Your body allows you to hike, dance, hug a loved one, and experience the world. Celebrate its strength and resilience.
Identify other sources of value. Create a list of all the things that make you "you." Are you a good friend? A creative artist? A compassionate listener? A dedicated professional? Spend your time and energy nurturing these qualities.
Challenge negative self-talk. When you hear that inner voice criticizing your body, pause and question it. Ask yourself, "What would I tell a friend in this situation?" or "Is this thought based on fact or a feeling?" Replace a negative thought with a positive one, like "I am a good person who is working to be healthier," or "I am grateful for my body's strength."
Practice self-care that feels good. Move your body in a way that you enjoy—whether it's yoga, dancing, walking in nature, or lifting weights. Nourish yourself with foods that make you feel energized and well. These actions should be an act of kindness to yourself, not a punishment for what you ate or what you weigh.
Surround yourself with support. Seek out people who appreciate you for who you are, not for how you look. Distance yourself from those who engage in constant body shaming or diet talk.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1 medications can be a promising option for people with lupus, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The decision to start these drugs should be made in close partnership with your rheumatologist and other healthcare providers. Also, it is important to remember that a number on a scale does not define your worth.
Before considering a GLP-1 medication, make sure to:
Discuss your full medical history with your doctor, including any history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, or severe gastrointestinal issues.
Review all of your current medications to check for potential interactions.
Stay informed about the latest research and case reports related to GLP-1s and autoimmune conditions.
Talk to a healthcare professional about your relationship with your body-image.
“Positive body image isn’t believing your body looks good; it is knowing your body is good, regardless of how it looks.” -More Than a Body, by Lexie Kite
Ultimately, while GLP-1 medications may offer significant benefits for weight and overall health, they must be approached with caution and careful medical supervision and emotional support in the context of a chronic, complex disease like lupus.
Compiled By:
Kelli (Casas) Roseta
**All resources provided by this blog are for informational purposes only, not to replace the advice of a medical professional. Kelli encourages you to always contact your medical provider with any specific questions or concerns regarding your illness. All intellectual property and content on this site and in this blog are owned by morethanlupus.com. This includes materials protected by copyright, trademark, or patent laws. Copyright, More Than Lupus 2025.
Sources:
MyLupusTeam: GLP-1 Drugs and Lupus: Are They Safe To Take?
Retrospective Evaluation of GLP-1RAs in SLE Patients (Carlucci et al.): https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article-abstract/64/5/3085/7817829
GLP1-RAs not linked with lupus disease flares: study (the limbic): https://thelimbic.com/endocrinology/glp1-ras-not-linked-with-lupus-disease-flares-study/
Anti-inflammatory role of GLP-1RAs in IBD (Salgado et al.): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12306662/
Anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1 in coronary artery disease (Skrobucha et al.): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11685754/
Case of Semaglutide-Induced Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (Nazzicone et al.): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390465760_From_Prescription_to_Predicament_A_Case_of_Semaglutide-Induced_Discoid_Lupus_Erythematosus_in_an_Adult_Male_Patient