Medications designed for weight loss, such as tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro), may offer a significant benefit for individuals suffering from sleep apnea, according to a recent review. The study suggests that up to half of patients using tirzepatide experienced remission of their obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring. If left untreated, OSA can contribute to serious health issues including high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and depression. In the UK, OSA is estimated to affect ten million people, with lifestyle changes and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines being common initial treatments.
The review, conducted by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, analyzed data from trials involving 469 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who were administered tirzepatide. These patients not only lost approximately one-fifth of their body weight but also showed a marked improvement in their sleep apnea. The study reported over 20 fewer "OSA events" per hour, indicating better breathing and reduced snoring.
Approximately 42% to 50% of patients in the trials achieved complete remission of their OSA, a rate about three times higher than that observed in a placebo group. Researchers believe that the weight loss induced by tirzepatide is the primary driver of these improvements. Excess fat around the neck can narrow airways, exacerbating OSA symptoms, and carrying excess weight can also impede lung expansion.
Despite these promising results, the researchers caution that tirzepatide should not be seen as a replacement for CPAP therapy, especially for individuals with severe OSA. CPAP devices have been shown to reduce more than 30 OSA events per hour. Furthermore, the long-term effects of discontinuing weight loss medications are still uncertain, as previous research indicates that weight regain is common after stopping GLP-1 treatments, potentially leading to a return of OSA symptoms.
Tirzepatide received approval from U.S. health officials in December 2024 for treating obesity in adults with OSA. However, it is not currently licensed for this specific purpose in Britain. OSA can manifest with symptoms such as gasping or choking sounds during sleep and frequent awakenings. Daytime symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and headaches.