Research shows GLP-1 class obesity drugs linked to significant reductions in asthma exacerbations and inhaler use, highlighting potential benefits for patients with both conditions.
A new study presented at the European Congress on Obesity has found that the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) class obesity drugs is associated with a notable reduction in asthma exacerbations and inhaler use among individuals living with both asthma and overweight or obesity. The research, conducted by Simon Høj and Dr. Kjell Erik Julius Hakansson from Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, and colleagues, suggests that these medications may improve asthma outcomes through various mechanisms.
The study, which was a nationwide self-controlled cohort analysis using linked Danish health registers, included 27,523 individuals with asthma who were also diagnosed with overweight or obesity. The researchers found that the use of GLP-1 RAs was associated with a 26% lower rate of exacerbations and a 14% reduction in inhaler reliever use compared to the year before treatment initiation.
The study stratified participants based on their underlying conditions, finding similar reductions in exacerbation rates for both asthma patients with overweight or obesity (22%) and those with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (26%). Additionally, there was a notable decrease of around 10% in pneumonia events. The analysis also showed that the use of GLP-1 RAs did not differ significantly between men and women.
Dr. Hakansson while weight loss is likely a major contributor to these results, excess adipose tissue can create an inflammatory state that affects both asthma and obesity symptoms. "There's evidence from other studies suggesting that inflammation caused by excess fat differs from the classic asthma inflammation often driven by allergies or eosinophils," he noted.
The study did not have access to clinical records for BMI and weight loss data, but Dr. Hakansson believes this information would likely support their findings. The authors are currently working on updated analyses to explore differences between men and women in these specific outcomes further.
These results suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists could offer significant benefits for patients with asthma who also have overweight or obesity. However, the researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects and how they might be applied clinically.
