GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic and Zepbound Diminish Asthma in Overweight or Obese Adolescents

Key Research Insights on GLP-1 Drugs and Asthma

Intense asthma flare-ups can decrease by half in adolescents carrying extra weight through the use of advanced weight-reduction medications such as Ozempic and Zepbound, according to a recent investigation.

Researchers noted that only half the number of teens required emergency care for asthma when prescribed a GLP-1 treatment. The findings appeared on December 29 in JAMA Network Open.

"The results indicate a possible twofold advantage for affected individuals, as one type of drug might tackle both weight control and decreased chances of asthma worsening, potentially easing the strain from two interrelated long-term health issues," stated the team, headed by Dr. Lin-Shien Fu, who leads pediatric nephrology and immunology at Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan.

Study Methodology and Participants

In this analysis, investigators followed 1,070 children between 12 and 18 years old who were overweight or obese and diagnosed with asthma. About half received a GLP-1 medication.

These glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) treatments replicate the GLP-1 hormone, aiding in regulating insulin and blood sugar, curbing hunger, and delaying food breakdown.

Outcomes Over One Year

Throughout a 12-month monitoring period, just eight asthma-related emergency department encounters occurred among those using a GLP-1 agent, compared to 19 in the group without it.

Additionally, adolescents on the medication showed a reduced need for steroids to handle asthma symptoms, at 21% versus 31%, and were less prone to require rescue inhalers, 32% compared to 45%.

Expert Commentary on Weight Loss and Asthma

The weight reduction in these young individuals probably played a key role in enhancing their asthma condition, explained Dr. Michelle Katzow, director of the POWER Kids Weight Management Program and an associate professor of pediatrics at Cohen Children's Medical Center in New York City.

"It doesn't come as a shock, and it's not entirely novel, but the extent of weight reduction caused by the medication is far greater than previously observed," remarked Katzow, who did not participate in the study, during a press statement.

Excess body fat triggers bodily inflammation, which can heighten the risk of asthma episodes, she pointed out.

"Inflammation tied to obesity makes individuals more susceptible to severe asthma or intensified symptoms," Katzow added.

"By enabling sufficient weight reduction through any effective method, you can lessen the intensity of their asthma," she continued.

Katzow emphasized that such drugs work best for those struggling to embrace healthy habits due to overwhelming hunger.

"This applies to many children," she noted. "They experience constant hunger and obsess over food often. Opting for nutritious choices or consuming smaller portions becomes challenging when hunger persists."

Health tracking apps like Shotlee can help monitor progress in weight management and asthma control for those benefiting from these treatments.