Zepbound for obstructive sleep apnea: Eligibility, Coverage, FDA Status 2026

Q: Is Zepbound approved for obstructive sleep apnea?

FDA-approved. FDA-approved (Dec 2024) for moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity — the SURMOUNT-OSA trial showed major AHI reductions.

The short answer

Zepbound (tirzepatide) became the first GLP-1-class drug FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity (December 2024).

Zepbound specifically

FDA-approved (Dec 2024) for moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity — the SURMOUNT-OSA trial showed major AHI reductions.

BMI & eligibility

The Zepbound OSA indication requires obesity. Other GLP-1s remain off-label for OSA and qualify through the obesity pathway (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidity).

Check your BMI

BMI calculator

Height (cm)Weight (kg)

Overweight27.7

BMI 27-29.9 — eligible if comorbidity (T2D, hypertension, sleep apnea, PCOS).

BMI is one signal among several. Waist circumference, body composition, metabolic markers, and clinical history also matter — talk to a prescriber.

Insurance & coverage

Zepbound now has a direct OSA pathway — a sleep study confirming moderate-to-severe OSA plus obesity supports prior authorization. Other GLP-1s require an obesity-based PA.

Check if your plan covers it

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Other GLP-1s for obstructive sleep apnea

GLP-1 medications for obstructive sleep apnea Ozempic for obstructive sleep apnea Wegovy for obstructive sleep apnea Mounjaro for obstructive sleep apnea

Zepbound for other conditions

Zepbound for PCOS Zepbound for prediabetes Zepbound for insulin resistance Zepbound for type 2 diabetes Zepbound for obesity Zepbound for fatty liver disease (MASH/NAFLD)

See all GLP-1 eligibility guides

Sources

Educational information, not medical advice. FDA-approval status reflects labeling as of 2026; off-label prescribing is legal and common but coverage varies.