New research shows that using so-called skinny jabs might have more than one outcome…

Weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, already gaining popularity for their effectiveness in obesity and diabetes management, may soon have another important application — helping people with asthma.

According to new research, these medications could improve asthma symptoms in people who are obese, a group particularly vulnerable to severe respiratory issues.

Asthma affects approximately 7.2 million people in the UK, and being obese significantly increases the risk of developing the condition, according to the charity Asthma and Lung UK. Research has consistently shown a clear link between rising obesity rates and the growing number of respiratory problems across the country.

How they work

Medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic hormones that regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion.

While initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, they have more recently gained attention for their impressive weight loss benefits. Furthermore, GLP-1 agonists have also demonstrated protective effects against heart disease, strokes, and even neurological conditions such as dementia and psychotic disorders.

Read more: Is it worth seeking a cheap weight loss treatment? 

The new facts

Fast-forward to the present, and researchers are now exploring their potential in improving respiratory health. A recent study led by Professor David Price, chair of primary care respiratory medicine at the University of Aberdeen, suggests that these weight loss drugs may also help manage asthma symptoms — especially in patients who do not respond well to conventional steroid treatments.

“People with obesity and asthma are unique in that they are often resistant to steroid treatments,” said Prof Price. “We know that GLP1s work on inflammatory responses in the airways in a different way to traditionally used steroids.”

To conduct the study, researchers analysed the medical records of over 10,000 individuals taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, and compared them against those who were not on these medications. During the follow-up period, those on the weight loss jabs not only lost more weight, but also showed significantly improved asthma control.

What’s notable, Prof Price said, is that these improvements in asthma symptoms occurred even when the amount of weight lost was relatively small — only about 0.9 kg over the course of a year. The suggestion here is that the medication may directly influence airway inflammation, even independent of weight loss.

“These findings suggest medics should pay attention to the relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of respiratory diseases,” Prof Price emphasised.

There’s hope, but approach with caution

Dr Erika Kennington, head of research and innovation at Asthma and Lung UK, called the research “encouraging.” She noted that for many asthma patients, physical activity can be daunting due to the risk of triggering an attack. This makes it harder to lose weight and worsens their condition — a cycle that’s hard to break.

“Where exercise hasn’t worked, these weight-loss drugs could offer a promising alternative,” said Dr Kennington. However, she cautioned it’s still too early to recommend the drugs broadly for asthma treatment. More research is needed to assess their effectiveness across different patient groups.