A review has indicated that weight loss drugs, specifically tirzepatide, may help alleviate sleep apnoea, a disorder affecting approximately ten million individuals in the UK. The study, conducted by scientists from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, found that up to half of the patients using tirzepatide experienced remission of their sleep apnoea.
Sleep apnoea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often leading to loud snoring. Without treatment, it can result in serious health issues, including high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and depression. The most prevalent form is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which is typically managed through lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, smoking cessation, and reduced alcohol consumption. Additionally, CPAP machines are commonly prescribed to patients.
The review analyzed data from two trials involving 469 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who were administered tirzepatide. Participants lost approximately 20% of their body weight, which correlated with a significant reduction in OSA events, with more than 20 fewer occurrences per hour. Between 42% and 50% of these patients achieved complete remission of their OSA, a rate three times higher than those receiving a placebo.
The authors of the study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, attribute the positive outcomes primarily to weight loss, as excess fat around the neck can exacerbate symptoms by narrowing the airways. However, the researchers cautioned that these drugs should not replace CPAP therapy, especially for individuals with severe OSA, as CPAP machines have been shown to reduce over 30 OSA events per hour.
Concerns remain regarding the potential return of OSA symptoms after discontinuation of weight-loss drugs, as previous studies have indicated that weight regain is common after stopping GLP-1 treatments. Tirzepatide was approved by US health authorities in December 2024 for treating OSA in adults with obesity, but it is not yet licensed for this use in the UK. Other symptoms of OSA include gasping or choking during sleep and frequent awakenings, while daytime symptoms may involve fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and headaches.