GLP-1 medications are currently used primarily to treat diabetes and obesity, but researchers have discovered that the drugs may also benefit people with asthma.
At a conference hosted by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and reported on by Verywell Health, data from more than 3,000 patients was presented.
The findings showed that people using GLP-1 medication experienced fewer asthma attacks than those who did not receive the treatment.
The study found a reduction of between 12 and 15 percent among patients who were overweight or obese.
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Obesity affects asthma
According to researchers, obesity can worsen asthma symptoms. Excess weight may put pressure on the lungs, while fat tissue can increase inflammation in the body. This may lead to more breathing difficulties.
Experts also emphasize that weight loss often helps people with chronic illnesses, especially asthma.
However, researchers still do not know whether the improvements are caused by the medication itself, the weight loss, or a combination of both.
For that reason, further studies will now be conducted to better understand the effects.
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Not yet approved
Asthma is not currently an approved treatment indication for GLP-1 medications.
This means patients may not necessarily receive insurance coverage or public healthcare support for the medication.
However, experts believe this could change if future studies show clear results.
For now, people with asthma and obesity are advised to speak with their doctor about possible treatment options.
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Sources: Verywell Health and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
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