From the Guidelines
GLP-1 therapy is not currently recommended for treating Crohn's disease. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, does not mention GLP-1 therapy as a treatment option for Crohn's disease. Instead, it recommends established therapies such as anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics. Although some preliminary research suggests GLP-1 may have anti-inflammatory effects, there is insufficient clinical evidence supporting its use for Crohn's disease. Additionally, GLP-1 medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which could potentially worsen symptoms in Crohn's patients.
Some key points to consider when treating Crohn's disease include:
- The use of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) as a steroid-sparing therapy, especially in pediatric patients 1
- The importance of considering the patient's perspective when making treatment decisions, as factors that influence patient decisions may not be the same as those of the treating clinician 1
- The need for regular screening for malnutrition and consideration of nutritional therapies, such as a Mediterranean diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, monounsaturated fats, complex carbohydrates, and lean proteins 1
- The use of biologics, such as anti-TNF therapy, in patients who have not responded to conventional therapy or who are intolerant of or have contraindications to conventional therapy 1
Patients with Crohn's disease should work with gastroenterologists to develop treatment plans using established therapies rather than experimenting with GLP-1 medications for this condition.
From the Research
GLP-1 Therapy for Crohn's Disease
- GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) therapy has been studied as a potential treatment for Crohn's disease, with several studies suggesting its effectiveness in improving disease outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A 2019 review discussed the potential of GLP-1 and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors as novel therapeutic options in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapy, including Crohn's disease 2.
- A 2025 study found that GLP-1 analog use was associated with improved disease course in patients with IBD, including those with Crohn's disease, with a reduced risk of poor disease outcomes such as steroid dependence, hospitalization, and surgery 3.
- Another study published in 2021 found that treatment with GLP-1 based therapies was associated with a lower risk of adverse clinical events in patients with IBD and type 2 diabetes, including those with Crohn's disease 4.
- A 2024 study found that the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with a lower risk of IBD-related surgery in patients with Crohn's disease 5.
Mechanisms and Potential Benefits
- GLP-1 has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its potential benefits in treating Crohn's disease 3, 4, 5.
- GLP-1 therapy may also improve intestinal growth and nutrient absorption, which could be beneficial for patients with Crohn's disease 2.
- The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists has been associated with improved glycemic control and weight loss, which may also be beneficial for patients with Crohn's disease and comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and obesity 3, 4, 5.
Limitations and Future Directions
- While the current evidence suggests that GLP-1 therapy may be effective in treating Crohn's disease, further studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms and potential benefits 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Additional research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and duration of GLP-1 therapy for Crohn's disease, as well as its potential use in combination with other therapies 3, 4, 5.