The Food and Drug Administration has expanded the approval of the weight loss drug Zepbound to also treat obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, making it the first drug treatment for the disorder in the United States. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, leading to fragmented, poor sleep. Left untreated, it can result in serious health issues such as diabetes, heart problems, and brain damage.
Zepbound, which contains the same active ingredient as Lilly’s diabetes drug Mounjaro, has shown promise in helping individuals with sleep apnea lose weight and improve their symptoms. A study presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting found that individuals with sleep apnea may also be at a higher risk for memory or thinking problems.
Currently, obstructive sleep apnea is managed with PAP machines such as CPAP, which blow air into the airway to prevent collapse. However, some patients do not tolerate CPAP machines well, leading to an interest in alternative treatments such as weight loss medications like Zepbound. Zepbound has been shown to significantly reduce the number of breathing events per hour in people with sleep apnea, and is seen as a potential option for those who struggle with traditional treatments.
While the approval of Zepbound for sleep apnea is a significant step forward, more research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness and compare it to existing treatments like CPAP. Overall, the expanded approval of Zepbound offers a new potential option for individuals with sleep apnea and obesity, addressing a common underlying issue that can impact overall health.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com