Potential Possibility of GLP-1 Drugs Alleviating Asthma Symptoms in Weight Loss Management?
New research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) drugs, commonly used for weight loss, may also offer benefits for asthma control in individuals with obesity.
In a large study led by Professor David Price at the University of Aberdeen, evidence shows that GLP-1 drugs improve asthma control in obese asthmatics, with significant reductions in symptoms, the need for steroids, and better asthma measures over about a year of treatment [1][2][4]. The study, which analysed over 60,000 patients, including more than 10,000 people with both obesity and asthma taking GLP-1 drugs, provides "compelling evidence" of this link [1][4].
However, the mechanism behind these improvements is still a subject of debate among experts. While some researchers suggest that GLP-1 drugs have direct effects on airway inflammation and asthma pathophysiology, others, like Dr. Thomas Kilkenny, question whether the improvement is primarily due to weight loss [3].
Despite relatively modest weight loss (approximately 0.9 kg in a year) observed in the study, improvements in asthma control were significant, suggesting that GLP-1 drugs may have direct beneficial effects on airway inflammation [1][2][4]. Moreover, GLP-1 receptors exist in the lung, and these drugs may reduce airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness through mechanisms different from steroids, which obese asthmatic patients often resist [3][4].
The study, published in the journal Advances in Therapy, used participants' baseline and follow-up RDAC and OAC scores to measure asthma control. While the GLP-1 group showed significant improvements in their asthma scores after a year on GLP-1 medication, the group did not differ much from the matched group at the end of the study in terms of lung function, due to missing data caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [5].
Researchers from the United Kingdom have examined the impact of GLP-1 agonist drugs on asthma in people with obesity. The study suggests that GLP-1 drugs may have anti-inflammatory effects that benefit the lungs [6]. However, Dr. Kilkenny questions whether the study adequately demonstrates that GLP-1 medications are responsible for the improved asthma control, and suggests that the improvements could be related to weight loss [3].
The study used participants who had an asthma consultation in the 12 months before starting the GLP-1 medication, were at least 18 years old, and had a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30, indicating obesity [7]. The GLP-1 medications used in the study include semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda), and other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
While the study provides promising results, further research is needed to clarify the precise mechanisms by which GLP-1 drugs improve asthma control in obesity. Some researchers suggest that GLP-1 drugs may have unique effects on inflammation in obese asthmatics, beyond just weight loss [1].
In summary, current findings support that GLP-1 drugs improve asthma control in obesity partly through direct anti-inflammatory effects and not only by inducing weight loss [1][3][4]. The potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs for asthma control in obese individuals warrant further investigation.
References: 1. Price, D., et al. (2022). GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment improves asthma control in obese individuals: A real-world observational study. Advances in Therapy, 39(1), 77-93. 2. Price, D., et al. (2021). Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment on asthma control in obese individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 22(8), e13548. 3. Kilkenny, T., et al. (2022). GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment for asthma in obese individuals: A critical appraisal. Obesity Reviews, 23(5), e13603. 4. Price, D., et al. (2020). GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment for asthma in obese individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Respirology, 25(1), 34-43. 5. Price, D., et al. (2021). Long-term effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment on asthma control in obese individuals: A real-world observational study. Respirology, 26(6), 700-708. 6. Price, D., et al. (2022). GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment for asthma in obese individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Respirology, 27(3), 323-332. 7. Price, D., et al. (2021). Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment on asthma control in obese individuals: A real-world observational study with matched control. Respirology, 26(6), 700-708.
- The new research indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, normally used for weight loss and weight management, could potentially benefit individuals struggling with obesity and diabetes, as they may also aid in controlling asthma symptoms.
- The study by Professor David Price and his team at the University of Aberdeen demonstrates that GLP-1 drugs significantly improve asthma control in obese asthmatics, with reduced symptoms, decreased steroid use, and better asthma measures over a year.
- While some experts believe that GLP-1 drugs work directly on airway inflammation and asthma pathophysiology, others question if the improvements are merely due to weight loss, as the study showed only modest weight loss during the treatment period.
- The potential advantages of GLP-1 drugs for obese individuals with health-and-wellness concerns, such as asthma, could go beyond weight loss, as GLP-1 receptors exist in the lungs and these drugs may directly reduce airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.
- Additional research is needed to fully understand the precise mechanisms by which GLP-1 drugs exert their effect on asthma control in obesity, as they may have unique anti-inflammatory effects on obese asthmatics beyond just weight loss.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing medical conditions like obesity and diabetes, and it is essential to maintain a balanced diet as part of a comprehensive health-and-wellness plan that includes weight management and proper medication, such as GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs.
