Researchers said the drugs should be explored as a potential treatment for obese people with the respiratory condition, who are “often resistant” to steroids
Injections used by those trying to lose weight could potentially alleviate asthma symptoms in obese people, a recent study suggests. The research indicates that these drugs, also known as glucagon-like peptide1 receptor-agonists (GLP1-RAs), should be considered as a potential treatment for obese people suffering from the respiratory condition, who are “often resistant” to steroids.
These injections – originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes – function by imitating the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Several variations of the drug are recommended by the NHS to combat obesity, including semaglutide, also known as Wegovy, and tirzepatide, or Mounjaro.
Previous research has suggested that these drugs may significantly reduce the risk of diseases such as dementia and stroke. An international team of experts is currently investigating their potential impact on obese people with asthma, reports Bristol Live.
Professor David Price, chair in primary care respiratory medicine at the University of Aberdeen, stated: “People with obesity and asthma are unique in that they are often resistant to steroid treatments. We know that GLP1s work on inflammatory responses in the airways in a different way to traditionally used steroids.”
In the study, published in Advances in Therapy, researchers analysed the records of 10,111 people on GLP1-RAs, and 50,555 people who were not on the drugs. Following a period of observation, the team discovered that those taking the injections lost more weight and had improved control over their asthma.
Researchers have suggested that medical professionals “should pay attention to the relationship between GLP-1 RA and the risk of respiratory diseases”. Prof Price stated: “We found compelling evidence that GLP1s, as well as increasing weight loss, also improved asthma symptoms.
“In addition, it is important to note that the benefits to asthma symptoms occurred despite fairly modest weight loss of around 0.9kg over the course of the year. Our findings suggest that GLP1s may have beneficial effects on asthma control for people with obesity and this should be explored further.”
Prof Alan Kaplan, chairperson of the Family Physician Airways Group of Canada and the Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, commented: “Our findings suggest that GLP1-RAs have benefits on asthma control in people with obesity, and this information should contribute to the discussions around the decision to use these drugs.”
Dr Erika Kennington, head of research and innovation at Asthma and Lung UK, said: “Research has previously shown that people living with obesity who lose weight see improved control of their asthma, so it’s encouraging to see this study show this is still the case when the weight loss is driven by drugs, like the new class of weight loss drugs.
“Although exercise can help people lose weight, for some people it can cause anxiety about becoming breathless or having an asthma attack, so people are stuck in a vicious cycle of not being able to lose weight and their asthma worsening. Therefore, where exercise hasn’t worked for someone these drugs that support weight loss could offer a promising alternative.
“It’s too early to say whether these drugs would be effective for people with asthma more widely. More research is needed to understand how these drugs actually improve asthma control. Funding for lung health research is on life support and urgent action is needed to increase investment.”