Key Summary
- Weight loss injections led to improved control of asthma among obese people
- They work on inflammatory responses in the airways in a different way to traditionally used steroids
- Researchers found compelling evidence that GLP-1s improves asthma symptoms and called for further studies
A new study suggests that weight loss injections, known as GLP-1s, may help alleviate asthma symptoms in obese individuals.
A team of international researchers at the University of Aberdeen found that these injections also led to improved control of the respiratory condition among obese people.
People with obesity and asthma are often resistant to steroids.
The researchers analysed 60,000 patient records and found that those on GLP-1s experienced weight loss and improved asthma control.
GLP-1s were originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, as they mimic a naturally occurring hormone and help regulate blood sugar, insulin, and control appetite.
The NHS recommends several variations of the drug to combat obesity, including semaglutide, also known as Wegovy, and tirzepatide, or Mounjaro.
Prof David Price from the University of Aberdeen said the GLP-1s work on inflammatory responses in the airways in a different way to traditionally used steroids.
He said the study found compelling evidence that GLP-1s improves asthma symptoms and this should be explored further.
Dr Erika Kennington, head of research and innovation at Asthma + Lung UK, said research had previously shown that obese people who lost weight saw "improved control" of their asthma.
She said it was "encouraging" that the study had shown that weight loss drugs, too, had similar outcomes.
