New research indicates that medications commonly prescribed for weight reduction might offer significant benefits for asthma sufferers who struggle with obesity, extending beyond simple weight management.
The study reveals these drugs could provide relief through mechanisms distinct from conventional steroid treatments.
Scientists have discovered that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, including medications such as Ozempic, may influence inflammatory processes in airways differently from traditional therapies.
This finding holds particular promise for patients with obesity-related asthma who frequently show poor response to standard steroid medications.
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|Individuals with a BMI exceeding 30 face substantially elevated asthma risks
The research suggests these injectable treatments could represent a breakthrough for a patient population that has historically faced limited therapeutic options.
The investigation examined medical records from more than 60,000 individuals, comparing 10,111 patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists with 50,555 who weren't taking these medications.
Published in Advances in Therapy, the findings demonstrated enhanced asthma management alongside weight reduction in those using the injectable treatments.
Professor David Price from the University of Aberdeen's primary care respiratory medicine department noted: "We found compelling evidence that GLP1s, as well as increasing weight loss, also improved asthma symptoms."
Remarkably, respiratory improvements emerged despite participants achieving only modest weight reduction, averaging 0.9 kilograms annually.
Professor Price emphasised: "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."
The connection between excess weight and respiratory difficulties extends beyond mechanical constraints.
Individuals with a BMI exceeding 30 face substantially elevated asthma risks compared to those maintaining lower body weights, according to the American Lung Association.
Excess adipose tissue surrounding the torso can compress respiratory organs, creating breathing difficulties.
Additionally, fat deposits generate inflammatory compounds that potentially impact lung function and heighten asthma susceptibility.
This creates a challenging cycle, as respiratory symptoms can limit physical activity whilst prolonged steroid use may stimulate appetite, as the NHS Cambridge University Hospitals Trust notes. These interconnected factors make weight management particularly difficult for asthma patients.
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GETTY | Weight management is particularly difficult for asthma patients
Dr Erika Kennington from Asthma and Lung UK acknowledged the encouraging results, stating: "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 drugs drive the weight loss."
She highlighted how breathlessness fears can trap patients in cycles, preventing weight reduction, making these medications potentially valuable alternatives.
However, Dr Kennington cautioned: "It's too early to say whether these drugs would be effective for people with asthma more widely."
Professor Alan Kaplan of Canada's Family Physician Airways Group concluded: "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."