A study shows that GLP-1 drugs can improve asthma symptoms in obese patients, even by losing just a few pounds.
From Diabetes to Asthma Relief
Thousands of people use GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide and liraglutide, to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Recently, researchers discovered these medications may also reduce asthma worsening in people with high body mass indexes.
In the study, scientists tracked over 60,000 adults with obesity and asthma. Specifically, about 10,000 patients took GLP-1 drugs, while 50,000 served as matched controls.
GLP-1s May Reduce Asthma Symptoms
Importantly, GLP-1 users experienced fewer attacks and reduced use of corticosteroids. Notably, this occurred despite losing less than one kilogram on average during the first year.
Additionally, GLP-1 users visited hospitals for asthma issues less often than those not using the drugs. Therefore, researchers believe GLP-1 medications may have direct anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs.
Expert Insights and Early Evidence
“We found compelling evidence that GLP-1s, as well as increasing weight loss, also improved asthma symptoms,” remarked David Price, chair of primary care respiratory medicine at the University of Aberdeen.
Furthermore, animal studies suggest GLP-1 receptors in lung tissue reduce allergic inflammation. Thus, scientists are exploring whether these effects translate to human airways.
However, lung function tests in this study did not show meaningful improvement. This may reflect testing limitations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why It Matters for Asthma Patients
Asthma in people with obesity often resists standard treatments like inhaled steroids. Because of this, GLP-1 drugs may offer a new option for this group.
Moreover, individuals with obesity may struggle to exercise due to breathlessness. Interestingly, GLP-1 drugs could reduce symptoms enough to improve physical activity and overall health.
In the study, the BMI threshold was 30 or higher. Hence, this highlights the specific impact of GLP-1 drugs in patients with obesity-related asthma.
Questions Remain
Despite encouraging findings, some doctors remain cautious.
Pulmonologist Dr. Thomas Kilkenny argues there was not enough evidence to conclude a link between GLP-1 use and asthma control. Moreover, he notes that weight loss alone and in itself may have been the trigger and not GLP-1s.
“It has been shown multiple times in the past, and various studies show that weight loss alone improves asthma control,” he said. “This study did not comment on whether the GLP-1 medication had a direct effect on the physiology of asthma control.”
Notably, this study was observational—not a randomized controlled trial. Thus, it cannot prove causality.
Still, the large sample size strengthens its credibility. Hence, researchers are calling for follow-up studies to test the drugs directly in specific settings.
Outlook: GLP-1s and Asthma Control
Ongoing trials are already examining this connection. For instance, one study at Vanderbilt University is testing semaglutide in overweight adults with moderate asthma.
Correspondingly, this could confirm whether GLP-1 drugs improve lung inflammation independent of weight changes. If so, care guidelines may expand to include these medications.
Until then, patients should consult healthcare providers before using GLP-1 drugs off-label.
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