The positive effects of GLP-1 medications extend beyond just diabetes control and weight loss.

GLP-1s, also known as GLP-1 agonists, are a type of drug that mimics a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 that helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

Experts claim that these medications — which include semaglutide (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) — can also help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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RA, a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks its own tissues, causes inflammation, pain and stiffness in the joints, according to Mayo Clinic.

GLP-1 medications have been found to help relieve painful arthritis symptoms, potentially through weight loss.

Various studies have shown an association between being overweight or obese and the risk of developing RA.

A 2020 study published in the journal Nature specified that having a higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference was linked to a greater prevalence of the condition.

Sue Decotiis, M.D., a medical weight-loss doctor in New York City, said that in her own practice, she’s witnessed patients experience "tremendous relief" for inflammatory arthritis disease after taking GLP-1s.

"This is not just rheumatoid arthritis, but also mixed connective tissue disease," she said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "Most patients were actually able to stop their arthritis medications."

While much remains to be learned about these alternate uses for GLP-1s and how they function, Decotiis noted that fat cells produce certain substances, like cytokines or adipokines, that can increase inflammation throughout the body and impact how the immune system functions. 

"Cytokines produced in excess can harm the body," she said. "With COVID, some patients who died had experienced a cytokine storm, where the immune system overresponded to the infection."

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Decotiis clarified that it is not yet confirmed that the reported anti-arthritis effect of GLP-1s is associated with weight loss, although she said she's seen this benefit continue even on a low dose of the drug.

The expert said she has also noticed a wide range of other positive effects associated with GLP-1 medications, including reduced alcohol intake and less reliance on ADD and anti-anxiety medications.

The popular drugs have also been linked to a reduced risk of migraines, Alzheimer’s disease and even some cancers.

"Anyone considering using GLP-1s should be followed by a physician knowledgeable in their usage and weighed on a body composition scale," Decotiis recommended.

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"Someone who is not overweight would have to be followed very carefully. Therefore, accessing these drugs from an online platform without in-person physician care is not advisable."

The southern border has largely gone quiet.

United States Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks posted to X on Friday that southwest border apprehensions hit a monthly record low in July, with only 4,399 apprehensions. For the third month in a row, there have been zero releases.

This is the new all-time record low, beating the prior record low of 6,070 in June.

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In July, it averages out to 141 apprehensions per day at the southern border. At the height of the Biden-era crisis, there were 10,000-plus apprehensions on some days in December 2023. 

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The high number of crossings resulted in an intense strain on resources in small border communities for years, as agents struggled to keep up with the demand while also dealing with responsibilities at the legal ports of entry. 

In addition, many migrants were bused at the request of some Republican leaders to Democratic-run areas like New York City.

'TRUMP EFFECT' TOUTED AS SOUTHERN BORDER NUMBERS STAY LOW, INCLUDING NEW RECORD

During the Biden administration, the record high was December 2023, with 249,785 apprehensions, the majority of which were released into the U.S. The nosedive in numbers is seen as a major victory by Republicans and the Trump administration.

"The border is secure again — as it should be. Strong policies equal quiet borders," Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, posted to X.

At the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, troops were deployed to the border, and the CBP One app that was commonly used for people crossing illegally to claim asylum was shuttered.

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The app was replaced with CBP Home, which is used for people to self-deport. The Department of Homeland Security has been touting for months an offer to give people $1,000 and free travel outside the U.S. if they have not committed other crimes. Deportation efforts are now underway throughout the U.S., as the administration is honing in on areas with sanctuary policies, with push back from Democratic officials at different levels of Congress.

Still, border and immigration enforcement is expected to get a resources boost with the recent passage of the Trump-backed spending bill, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Billions were allocated for border security efforts, including to pay back states for costs incurred during the Biden administration, and ICE is now beginning recruitment for thousands more agents they’ve been given the budget to hire.