GLP-1 drugs work in a different way on the lungs than steroids, which may be why they help with asthma control in those taking them. — Pixabay
Weight-loss jabs could help minimise asthma symptoms in obese people, according to a study.
The drugs should be explored as a potential treatment for obese people with the respiratory condition, who are “often resistant” to steroids, the researchers said.
Weight-loss jabs, also known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.
They were initially developed as a treatment for people with type 2 diabetes.
A number of these drugs are also recommended to help tackle obesity, including semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Previous studies have suggested the drugs may slash the risk of illnesses like dementia and stroke, with an international team of experts exploring their potential impact on obese people with asthma.
Britain’s University of Aberdeen primary care respiratory medicine chair Prof Dr David Price said: “People with obesity and asthma are unique in that they are often resistant to steroid treatments.
“We know that GLP-1 RAs work on inflammatory responses in the airways in a different way to traditionally-used steroids.”
For the study, published in the journal Advances in Therapy, researchers analysed the records of 10,111 people on GLP-1 RAs and 50,555 people who were not on the drugs.
After a follow-up period, the team found that those taking weight-loss jabs lost more weight and had improved asthma control.
They said the findings suggest medics “should pay attention to the relationship between GLP-1 RA and the risk of respiratory diseases”.
Prof Price added: “We found compelling evidence that GLP-1s, 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.”
Family Physician Airways Group of Canada chairperson Prof Dr Alan Kaplan said: “Our findings suggest that GLP-1 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.”
Asthma and Lung UK research and innovation head Dr Erika Kennington 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.” – PA Media/dpa
