Potential Benefits of GLP-1 Drugs for Asthma Control in Obese Patients

GLP-1 Medications May Improve Asthma Symptoms in Obesity

A recent study from the UK suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly used for diabetes and weight management, could also enhance asthma control among people with obesity. Researchers found that individuals taking GLP-1 medications experienced significant improvements in their asthma symptoms, despite no notable difference in lung function compared to controls. This indicates that GLP-1 drugs may exert anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs, potentially offering a new approach for asthma treatment.

GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) are well-established for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss. Emerging evidence points to additional benefits, including possible reductions in obesity-related cancers and dementia risk. The UK study examined data from over 60,000 participants, including more than 10,000 with both obesity and asthma, finding that those on GLP-1 therapy showed notable asthma score improvements over an average follow-up of three years.

While lung function measures did not improve significantly—partly due to COVID-19 data gaps—the findings highlight GLP-1 medications’ potential to influence inflammation and airway responsiveness. Experts believe that these drugs may directly interact with lung receptors, reducing airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation, but further research is necessary to confirm these mechanisms.

Some professionals, however, caution that the observed asthma improvements could be primarily due to weight loss, which is known to benefit asthma management. Overall, this study opens possibilities for repurposing GLP-1 drugs as part of asthma treatment in obese patients, warranting further investigation.