Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist Use and Inflammatory Markers Among U.S. Adults: A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)-Based Analysis

In this cross-sectional, population-based analysis, GLP-1RA use was not independently associated with lower systemic inflammation after accounting for demographic and clinical confounders. The higher hs-CRP observed among GLP-1 users in unadjusted models is most consistent with confounding by indication and greater cardiometabolic disease burden among treated individuals rather than a direct pro-inflammatory effect of the medications. Longitudinal studies with larger contemporary samples (including newer GLP-1 agents) and repeated inflammatory measures are needed to clarify whether GLP-1 therapies exert direct anti-inflammatory effects beyond their metabolic benefits.