Weight-loss drugs from the GLP‑1 agonist class, such as Ozempic, may help alleviate asthma symptoms in patients with obesity, according to researchers from the University of Aberdeen and the Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute (OPRI) in Singapore. The findings were published in the journal Advances in Therapy.

The authors analyzed health data from over 60,000 asthma patients. They found that those receiving GLP‑1 medications had a reduced need for steroids and other asthma-control drugs. This effect was observed even with only a modest average weight loss — just 0.9 kilograms.

Researchers attribute the benefit to the anti-inflammatory properties of GLP‑1 agonists, which work through mechanisms different from traditional steroids. This is especially important for patients with obesity, who often experience more severe asthma that responds poorly to standard treatments.

It is known that fat tissue can physically compress the lungs, making it harder to breathe. Fat deposits in the airway walls can lead to thickening, reducing airflow space and promoting inflammation. This mechanism contributes not only to asthma but also to other respiratory conditions.

The researchers suggest that GLP‑1 medications could represent a new therapeutic approach for treating respiratory diseases. Further clinical trials are needed to more precisely evaluate their effectiveness in asthma management.