Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, strongly weight-linked — now a formal indication for tirzepatide (Zepbound).
Obstructive sleep apnea is airway collapse during sleep — snoring, gasping awakenings, unrefreshing nights, daytime exhaustion — with excess weight around the neck and torso as its leading driver. Beyond fatigue it strains the heart, feeds hypertension, and worsens insulin resistance, which is why it ranks among the qualifying comorbidities.
The weight connection runs both directions and treatment capitalizes on it: substantial loss reduces apnea severity, and in 2024 Zepbound became the first medication FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity, on trials showing large drops in breathing-interruption counts. CPAP remains standard care; the new option means the machine and the medication now share the guideline page. Loud snoring plus daytime sleepiness deserves a sleep evaluation regardless of weight plans.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and is written to be consistent with FDA prescribing information and primary trial publications as of its last review. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical decisions.
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