.
This dive into fibromyalgia started from a rheumatology doctor who had fibromyalgia. In researching her own condition, she did a huge analysis of a medical records database and found an interesting fact: Those fibromyalgia patients who were on a GLP-1 were less likely to use opioids, and had fewer reports of pain, fatigue, and feeling bad. This led to her study, cited below.
SUMMARY: GLPs may help lower pain, fatigue, and pain medication use in those with fibromyalgia, particularly if they have a comorbidity indicating a good use for GLPs like obesity, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
First, let’s define fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome, heralded by fatigue, pain, and sleep issues. The cause is unknown. It is debilitating and can affect daily life. Management of fibromyalgia is with antidepressants and pain medication.
“Exploring GLP-1 Agonsits Effects in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Propensity Matched Analysis Using TriNetX Database,” presented at the 2025 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology Annual Meeting. June 2025. The premise was simple- do GLPs help lower the pain medication use and symptoms in those with fibromyalgia?
Study:
- Documented diagnosis of fibromyalgia and use of GLP on at least 2 separate occasions (46K patients) vs. those with no GLP use (716K patients).
- Two groups were matched for age, gender, comorbidities, and other soft tissue and inflammatory issues, HbA1c, sleep apne, BMI, opioid use, NSAID use, antidepressants.
- The final cohorts were 38K in each branch.
- Followed for 5 years
Findings?
The GLP group had a significantly lower rate of opioid use. Fatigue and malaise were less. Pain outcomes were less. Reduced reliance on medical care was seen. All of these were statistically significant.
There was no difference in disability (limitation of activities due to fibromyalgia). Both groups had improvement in BMI And HBA1c values, with the non GLP group actually slightly better.
How can Biohackr Health help?
- We are fans of GLPs. Whether for weight loss or the slew of other benefits (heart failure, dementia progression, fatty liver, sleep apnea, asthma, and more) read our blogs. The science is compelling. This just adds to thoughts that GLPs have anti inflammatory effects which go beyond the weight loss.
- Do you need a GLP? Do you have diabetes? Need weight loss? Have sleep apnea? GLP medical weight loss
- Would microdosing be an option? If you do not have the traditional indications for a GLP, microdosing may be an option. Microdosing
- Confused on where to start? Do a telehealth visit with a clinician to explore your options.
- These are exciting times. Some of the diagnoses which have been impossible to treat- autoimmune, inflammatory, vague symptoms- may be improved by GLPs, EBO2, and other newer cutting edge treatments.
- We will continue to research and update you on what the studies are showing. Biohacking is at its best, when science meets prevention and individualization with new approaches. Note that everyone is different. You need to see what works for YOU.
MEDICAL REFERENCE:
GLP and FIBROMYALGIA