Can GLP-1 Drugs Like Zepbound Help With Symptoms?

• New analysis has discovered that GLP-1 medicine could enhance obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) associated to weight problems.
• The results of tirzepatide (Zepound), which is FDA permitted for OSA, have been particularly notable.
• GLP-1s seem to enhance OSA related to weight problems by selling fats loss within the neck, throat, and tongue.
• CPAP remedy ought to be continued till a doctor has confirmed remission with a sleep examine.

GLP-1 drugs prescribed for weight reduction, similar to Zepbound and Wegovy, present promise for relieving signs related to sleep apnea.

A brand new analysis assessment revealed in JAMA Otolaryngology on September 3 discovered that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists could supply important enchancment in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) associated to weight problems.

The results have been very true for tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), which additionally acts on glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. Zepbound is already permitted by the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist deal with sleep apnea.

The National Council on Aging explains that OSA happens when the muscle tissue and tissues inside the throat chill out throughout sleep, blocking the airway. Whereas CPAP machines are the usual therapy for this situation, weight reduction is usually advisable as properly since it may scale back fats within the neck and tongue, serving to to maintain the airway open.

The authors of the assessment discovered that in one of many trials studied, weight reduction with tirzepatide lowered the variety of respiratory interruptions, as measured by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), by roughly 20–24 per hour, compared with placebo.

Moreover, as much as half of the contributors achieved full remission of their signs. The researchers did be aware, nonetheless, that CPAP remained the superior therapy.

For this assessment of research, the analysis staff examined a number of scientific databases, together with PubMed, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar.

They seemed for research revealed between 2016 and 2025 to see what had been discovered about GLP-1s and sleep apnea following an preliminary medical trial known as the SCALE Sleep Apnea trial.

The search included phrases associated to GLP-1 receptor agonists (similar to tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide) and key sleep apnea outcomes, together with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), higher airway neuromuscular perform, and inflammatory pathways.

The authors included randomized medical trials, systematic critiques, meta-analyses, and observational research that reported polysomnographic outcomes or validated patient-reported sleep measures.

Research exploring how these medicine could have an effect on respiratory, muscle perform, and inflammation have been additionally reviewed to assist clarify the medical findings. Nevertheless, they didn’t embrace any case reviews.

Knowledge have been then extracted to summarize examine designs, populations, interventions, outcomes, and mechanisms.

The aim was to synthesize the at the moment accessible proof to information medical apply and search for potential areas for future analysis.

After reviewing the literature, the researchers discovered that the first mechanism by which GLP-1 receptor agonists enhance OSA is thru weight reduction, which reduces fats across the neck, tongue, and throat. This helps preserve the airway open throughout sleep.

Analysis reveals a transparent relationship between weight reduction and OSA enchancment: dropping 10% of body weight is linked to a 26% discount within the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

These medicine additionally seem to cut back tongue fats, an essential contributor to airway blockage.

Past weight reduction, rising analysis means that GLP-1 receptor agonists could have an effect on the mind and nerves that management respiratory.

They could assist stabilize respiratory by altering the sensitivity of respiratory management methods, though extra human analysis is required.

GLP-1 therapies might also enhance leptin signaling, which might assist help the muscle tissue that preserve the higher airway open throughout sleep.

OSA additionally causes irritation and oxidative stress due to repeated drops in oxygen. GLP-1 receptor agonists have anti-inflammatory results and will assist shield airway muscle tissue from injury brought on by repeated oxygen drops. Nevertheless, a lot of this proof comes from animal research and desires additional testing in people.

Scientific trials have additionally proven significant enhancements in OSA severity. Within the SURMOUNT-OSA section 3 trials, tirzepatide lowered AHI by 20 to 24 occasions per hour, with 42% to 50% of sufferers reaching illness remission.

Enhancements appeared as early as 4 weeks, earlier than most weight reduction was reached, suggesting the medicine could present advantages past weight discount.

Liraglutide additionally improved AHI and lowered weight within the SCALE Sleep Apnea trial.

The researchers say that though GLP-1 agonists don’t match CPAP’s effectiveness, they could be a helpful different or addition for individuals who can’t tolerate CPAP or who have to shed extra pounds earlier than surgical procedure.

Nevertheless, essential questions stay about how lengthy the advantages final after therapy stops, whether or not the medicine assist individuals with out weight problems, and their long-term value and cardiovascular results.

Ruchir P. Patel, MD, FACP, a sleep medication specialist and vp and senior medical director at Inspire Medical Systems, mentioned that GLP-1 drugs could supply an extra therapy choice exterior of CPAP remedy. Patel wasn’t concerned within the assessment.

Whereas CPAP may be very efficient, in response to Patel, long-term adherence to the therapy is tough to realize.

“Tirzepatide, nonetheless, addresses a single threat issue within the setting of OSA — weight problems,” he advised Healthline. “There are different components concerned within the growth of OSA, together with simply structural anatomy unrelated to fats deposits that can not be addressed by weight reduction.”

Subsequently, whereas tirzepatide may also help goal this threat issue, Patel emphasizes that the medical neighborhood, in addition to sufferers, shouldn’t take the view that we’ve discovered a remedy.

“[W]e have recognized for a few years by way of the bariatric surgery literature that important weight reduction doesn’t all the time resolve OSA,” he mentioned. So, whereas signs could enhance, the affected person might nonetheless be in danger.

“[T]he means I state it to sufferers is that extreme is extreme no matter whether or not it is vitally extreme or on the decrease finish of the extreme class,” mentioned Patel.

In these circumstances, he prompt that GLP-1s ought to be seen as a software to complement different therapies that handle the anatomical points that trigger OSA, similar to hypoglossal nerve stimulation with Encourage remedy.

Additional, those that are initially not good candidates for Encourage resulting from full concentric collapse typically turn into candidates upon weight reduction, Patel mentioned.

James J. Chao, MD, FACS, a board licensed surgeon and weight reduction specialist, and co-founder and chief medical officer at VedaNu Wellness, mentioned that individuals with sleep apnea ought to talk about utilizing a GLP-1 as part of their therapy plan. Chao wasn’t concerned within the examine.

Chao mentioned that individuals with OSA ought to preserve utilizing their CPAP whereas they endure remedy. “When you’ve been handled for 12 months, you’ll have to repeat the sleep examine to see for those who’ve achieved a discount in apnea,” he advised Healthline.

Chao famous that therapy with a GLP-1 might be costly, working round $1,000 per thirty days. “[M]edical insurance coverage protection will depend on the codes your physician can submit for protection,” he mentioned.

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is at the moment the one weight loss medication that’s FDA permitted for the therapy of reasonable to extreme OSA in adults with weight problems.