ICD-10 · G47.33
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway collapse. In December 2024 the FDA expanded Zepbound's indications to include moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity — the first weight-loss drug approved for the condition.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jane Novak, MD, MPH on June 1, 2026
This is general health information, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician about diagnosis and treatment options.
Editorial grades summarizing study quality and convergence. How we grade.
| Claim | Grade | Basis |
|---|---|---|
Tirzepatide reduces apnea-hypopnea index by ~25-30 events/hour Source: NEJM, 2024 (opens in a new tab) SURMOUNT-OSA 1 + 2 (n=469); FDA approved Zepbound for OSA on this evidence | AStrong evidence | SURMOUNT-OSA 1 + 2 (n=469); FDA approved Zepbound for OSA on this evidence |
Weight loss mediates most of the OSA improvement SURMOUNT-OSA pre-specified mediation analysis showed AHI reduction tracks with weight loss | AStrong evidence | SURMOUNT-OSA pre-specified mediation analysis showed AHI reduction tracks with weight loss |
Tirzepatide can replace CPAP for most moderate OSA cases No head-to-head data; SURMOUNT-OSA was adjunctive to CPAP-eligible patients | DPreliminary | No head-to-head data; SURMOUNT-OSA was adjunctive to CPAP-eligible patients |
Semaglutide also improves OSA outcomes Class-level mechanism plausible; trials underway, no FDA-approved indication for Wegovy | CLimited evidence | Class-level mechanism plausible; trials underway, no FDA-approved indication for Wegovy |
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