New Study Finds Obesity Drug May Help Treat Sleep Apnea, Reducing Severity

A recent study has revealed promising results for the potential treatment of sleep apnea using the obesity drug tirzepatide. The research, funded by Eli Lilly and Co., suggests that the medication, also known for its use in diabetes treatment, could offer relief to individuals suffering from the dangerous disorder. The study's findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at a medical meeting.

Reduction in Sleep Apnea Severity

The study involved nearly 500 participants diagnosed with both obesity and sleep apnea. Half of the participants used a CPAP machine to keep their airways open during sleep, while the other half included individuals for whom the CPAP machine had not been effective or was not tolerated. Those who received weekly injections of tirzepatide showed a notable reduction in the number of breathing disturbances during sleep, with some experiencing a decrease of up to 60%. Additionally, up to half of the patients taking tirzepatide saw a significant enough reduction in apnea episodes to potentially resolve the disorder.

Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

Furthermore, the study revealed that patients who received tirzepatide injections also experienced weight loss averaging between 18% and 20%, along with improvements in blood pressure and blood oxygen levels during sleep. Patients reported better sleep quality and fewer disturbances, indicating potential holistic benefits of the drug beyond weight reduction.

Expert Opinions

While the lead author of the study, Dr. Atul Malhotra, has expressed optimism about tirzepatide's effectiveness in treating sleep apnea, other experts have urged caution. Dr. Sanjay Patel highlighted the need for further assessment of tirzepatide's real-world applicability and its potential impact on healthcare disparities. Dr. Paul Peppard emphasized that while weight loss has long been recommended to mitigate the severity of sleep apnea, medications like tirzepatide could offer valuable assistance, particularly in addressing the challenges of obesity.

Future Implications and Considerations

If approved for the treatment of sleep apnea, tirzepatide could offer a new approach to managing the disorder, potentially benefiting a significant number of affected individuals. However, considerations regarding cost, accessibility, and societal disparities in healthcare must be addressed before its widespread use.