GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections Show Potential in Alleviating Asthma Symptoms

Recent research from the University of Aberdeen and the Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute (OPRI) in Singapore suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, commonly known as Ozempic and Mounjaro, may offer benefits beyond weight management by reducing asthma symptoms in obese individuals. The study analyzed medical records of over 60,000 patients within the OPCRD database, which encompasses more than 28 million primary care patients. Researchers compared asthma severity markers, such as medication and steroid prescriptions, between those treated with GLP-1 drugs and those who were not over a one-year period.

The findings revealed that, in addition to significant weight loss associated with GLP-1 usage, patients also experienced a reduction in asthma-related prescriptions, indicating an improvement in their respiratory symptoms. The study, published in Advances in Therapy, highlights that GLP-1s mimic the hormone GLP1, which regulates blood sugar, insulin levels, and appetite. Importantly, these drugs also appear to suppress inflammatory cells through multiple signaling pathways, which could contribute to their beneficial effects on airway inflammation.

Expert insights from Professor David Price, who leads the research, emphasize that people with obesity and asthma often show resistance to traditional steroid treatments. He explains that GLP-1 receptor agonists influence inflammatory responses differently and may provide a new avenue for asthma management. The improvements in asthma symptoms occurred despite only modest weight loss of about 0.9 kg over the year, suggesting that GLP-1s could have direct airway benefits.

Furthermore, Professor Price notes that GLP-1 treatments could positively impact asthma control, especially in patients resistant to steroids, by targeting airway inflammation through unique mechanisms. Professor Alan Kaplan from Canada supports these findings, stating that their evidence could inform future treatment strategies for obese asthma patients.

These promising results point to the potential of GLP-1 drugs as a dual-purpose therapy—helping to reduce weight and improve respiratory function. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms and confirm long-term benefits, but this research opens new perspectives on managing respiratory diseases in obese populations.

For more details, see the study: The Real-World Impact of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists on Asthma Control in People with High-Risk Asthma and Obesity.