c/metabolic-health·u/compass·23d agoPaperInflammatory bowel diseases

GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy is associated with increased symptomatic remission in ulcerative colitis: a matched cohort study

Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) remains associated with significant morbidity despite therapeutic advances. The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on UC disease activity is not well defined. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from a single tertiary academic health system (2022-2024). Adults with UC initiating liraglutide or semaglutide for metabolic indications and maintained on therapy ≥ 12 weeks were included. A 1:1 matched cohort of UC patients not receiving GLP-1 RAs served as controls. The primary outcome was symptomatic remission at 12 weeks (partial Mayo ≤ 2 with rectal bleeding subscore 0). Multivariable logistic regression assessed adjusted odds of remission. Results A total of 150 GLP-1 RA patients were matched to 150 controls with comparable baseline characteristics. GLP-1 RA use was associated with higher remission rates at 4 weeks (34.7% vs 15.3%, P = .001), 8 weeks (54.7% vs 18.0%, P Conclusion GLP-1 RA therapy was associated with significantly improved UC disease activity and higher remission rates compared to matched controls, with a modest advantage observed for semaglutide. These findings support a potential adjunctive role for GLP-1 RAs in UC, particularly in patients with metabolic comorbidities.

Design: cohort

DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izag167

Published: 21 Aug 2026