What it means
Signs include loud snoring, gasping at night, morning headaches and daytime sleepiness. It is diagnosed with a sleep study that counts breathing events per hour, called the apnea-hypopnea index or AHI.
Excess weight is a major risk factor. In December 2024 the FDA approved Zepbound for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, based on the SURMOUNT-OSA trials.
A GLP-1 is not a replacement for CPAP or other treatment your sleep doctor prescribes. Do not stop a breathing device without talking to them.
Moderate sleep apnea is usually defined as 15 to 29 events per hour and severe as 30 or more. Your sleep study report will list your number, which insurers may ask for. Bring your study results to that conversation.
Why it matters
Sleep apnea is both a weight-related condition and its own approved use for tirzepatide, which can affect coverage.
Related terms
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