A new clinical trial conducted by drugmaker Eli Lilly found that tirzepatide, the main ingredient in medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro, improved symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. The trial included 469 participants from multiple countries who had moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and obesity. Participants who received tirzepatide injections experienced a significantly reduced apnea-hypopnea index compared to those taking a placebo. Additionally, weight loss was reported in 20% of participants taking tirzepatide. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common comorbidity of obesity, and research shows that excess fat in the airways can lead to blockages during sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where a person has difficulty or stops breathing when sleeping, and it is often associated with obesity. Studies have shown that obstructive sleep apnea can impair a person’s quality of life by impacting their ability to get a good night’s sleep. Low oxygen levels while sleeping can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and daytime fatigue. However, significant sustainable weight loss can help reverse this cycle of poor sleep and obesity. Weight loss, whether through medication or surgery, has been shown to improve obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in individuals with obesity.
Eli Lilly’s clinical trial results align with what medical experts often observe with post-weight loss surgery patients – that weight loss can lead to improvements in obstructive sleep apnea. The reduction of excess fat around the airways through weight loss can help reduce blockages during sleep. It is crucial for researchers to continue investigating ways to reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in individuals with obesity, as the number of people affected by the condition is expected to rise due to increasing obesity rates. Finding nonsurgical options for addressing both weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea can have significant benefits for individuals with these conditions.
Experts emphasize the importance of continued research in this area, with a focus on addressing obstructive sleep apnea in individuals with obesity. More studies with larger participant pools, varied endpoints, and diverse participant demographics are needed to further understand the effects of treatments like tirzepatide on obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. Staying informed about the effectiveness of obesity treatments and advocating for broader coverage by healthcare providers and insurance companies can help ensure that individuals have access to the necessary treatments to address both obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. By demonstrating the benefits of weight loss in improving obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, researchers can contribute to better healthcare outcomes for individuals with these conditions.