New research suggests that weight-loss medications could alleviate migraine pain and reduce asthma symptoms. The findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Turkey, adding to evidence that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) drugs may have benefits beyond weight loss.
A Danish study of 150,000 people who started Wegovy between 2022 and 2024 found that among women with a history of migraine, use of the drug was linked to a 7% reduction in the use of triptan-class migraine medicines one year after starting treatment. The authors noted a gradual decrease in migraine medication use after initiation of semaglutide.
In a separate Danish study of 27,523 people prescribed GLP-1 drugs for obesity or type 2 diabetes who also used asthma inhalers, researchers found a 26% reduction in asthma exacerbations and a 14% drop in reliever inhaler use. The study also reported fewer pneumonia events and reduced exposure to inhaled corticosteroids.
Dr Kjell Erik Julius Hakansson from Copenhagen University Hospital said: “There is a high chance that the weight loss is a major contributor to these results.” He explained that excess fatty tissue creates a pro-inflammatory state, and evidence suggests this inflammation differs from classic asthma inflammation. The findings highlight expanding uses for GLP-1 therapies.
