GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Show Promise in Treating Obesity-Related Sleep Apnea
A recent review published in JAMA Otolaryngology indicates that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, such as tirzepatide (marketed as Zepbound and Mounjaro), can significantly reduce the severity of obesity-related obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Clinical trials included in the review demonstrated that individuals taking tirzepatide experienced 20 to 24 fewer breathing interruptions per hour compared to those on a placebo. Nearly half of the participants achieved remission from OSA. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggest that the primary mechanism behind this improvement is weight loss, specifically the reduction of fat in the tongue and around the throat, which helps maintain an open airway during sleep. Obesity is a major contributing factor in most OSA cases, and until recently, no medication directly addressed this aspect of the condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zepbound for moderate to severe OSA in adults with obesity in 2024.
