GLP-1s May Reduce Steroid Use & Hospitalizations in Crohn’s Disease

GLP-1s Show Promise in Reducing Steroid Dependence and Hospitalizations for Crohn’s Disease Patients with Obesity

New research presented at the 2026 Crohn’s & Colitis Congress suggests that the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) may offer significant benefits for individuals with Crohn’s disease who also have overweight or obesity. The findings indicate a potential reduction in steroid dependence and fewer hospitalizations among patients utilizing these medications, without an increased risk of surgery.

The retrospective, real-world analysis, described by researchers as the first large-scale evidence supporting the potential benefit of GLP-1 use in Crohn’s disease management, involved a review of patient data. Approximately half of individuals with Crohn’s disease in the United States are also affected by obesity, highlighting the increasing complexity of managing this chronic condition.

Study Details and Findings

Researchers utilized the TriNetX research network to identify 1,092 adults diagnosed with Crohn’s disease who either initiated GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy or did not. A propensity score matching method was employed to create two comparable groups of 546 patients each, ensuring balanced demographics, existing health conditions, prior treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, healthcare utilization patterns and baseline steroid exposure.

The primary endpoint of the study was steroid dependence, while secondary endpoints included all-cause hospitalizations, Crohn’s-related surgery, and persistence on advanced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapy. Data was analyzed over a 12-month period.

The results demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in steroid dependence among patients using GLP-1s compared to those who were not (52.9% vs. 62.8%, P = .0009). GLP-1 users experienced fewer hospitalizations (2.3% vs. 3.7%, P = .002). The study also revealed improved persistence on advanced IBD therapy and a reduced hospitalization risk (HR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64-0.87) within the GLP-1 user group.

Importantly, the analysis did not reveal any increased risk of surgical intervention among patients utilizing GLP-1 receptor agonists, with surgical rates appearing similar between the two groups.

Expert Commentary

“While GLP-1 receptor agonists are not IBD-specific therapies, our findings suggest they may play a supportive role in patients with Crohn’s disease and obesity,” stated Nakul Ganju, MD, an internal medicine resident at Howard University Hospital. “As care becomes more integrated across gastroenterology, endocrinology and obesity medicine, these agents may help reduce steroid exposure and improve overall disease stability when used alongside standard Crohn’s therapies.”

Dr. Ganju further emphasized the growing prevalence of GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity and diabetes, and the increasing likelihood of gastroenterologists encountering patients with Crohn’s disease already taking these medications. The study aimed to address the question of whether these medications are safe for this patient population and whether their use is associated with clinically meaningful outcomes.

Growing Interest in GLP-1s and IBD

The potential benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists in Crohn’s disease are gaining attention within the medical community. Some European studies have indicated improved outcomes, including decreased need for steroids, surgery, and hospitalizations, among Crohn’s disease patients exposed to these drugs. Preclinical studies have also suggested potential anti-inflammatory and gut barrier-protective effects.

Researchers at Mount Sinai are currently investigating the potential of GLP-1R agonists to promote healing in the intestinal epithelium of patients with severe Crohn’s disease, with a study expected to begin enrolling participants soon. This research builds upon previous work involving stem cell transplantations and the observed restoration of the healing process in the intestinal lining.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Ganju concluded that, for patients with Crohn’s disease and overweight or obesity, GLP-1 receptor agonists appear to be safe and may offer clinical benefits. He suggests that clinicians should feel comfortable considering these medications when clinically indicated, while acknowledging the need for prospective studies to further define their role in Crohn’s disease management.

The study was presented at the Crohn’s & Colitis Congress, a partnership of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, January 22-24, 2026, in Las Vegas.