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Weight Loss Drugs Halve Asthma Attacks in Teens
2 Jan
Summary
- New drugs for weight management reduced severe asthma attacks by half in teens.
- GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone to control blood sugar and decrease appetite.
- Weight loss is believed to reduce inflammation linked to worse asthma symptoms.
Severe asthma attacks in teenagers struggling with excess weight may be cut in half through the use of advanced weight-loss drugs. Research published on December 29, 2025, in JAMA Network Open revealed that teens prescribed GLP-1 medications experienced a significant reduction in asthma exacerbations.
These GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking the body's GLP-1 hormone, which aids in regulating insulin and blood sugar while also suppressing appetite and slowing digestion. During a 12-month study period, adolescents taking these medications had fewer asthma-related emergency room visits compared to their peers not on the drugs.
Experts suggest that the weight loss induced by these medications is key to improving asthma control, as obesity contributes to body inflammation that can worsen asthma symptoms. The drugs offer a potential dual benefit, addressing both weight management and reducing the risk of severe asthma episodes in this vulnerable population.
