New Hope for Sleep Apnea Treatment
February 2, 2026Do you wake up tired even after a full night's sleep? Does your partner complain about loud snoring? You might be one of millions of Americans living with sleep apnea. The good news is that there's now a promising new sleep apnea treatment option available.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea happens when your breathing stops and starts repeatedly throughout the night. Each pause keeps your body from getting enough oxygen. You may not remember these interruptions, but they take a serious toll on your health. About 3 out of every 10 adults with obesity have this condition. For people with severe obesity, that number can reach more than 5 in 10. Studies show that untreated sleep apnea doubles the risk of death, which is why addressing it matters so much. In the short term, sleep apnea can lead to a chronic state of fatigue and contribute to decreased attention as well as car accidents. In the long term, sleep apnea has been associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, weight gain, and heart failure.
Studies show that in people with documented moderate to severe sleep apnea, there is a 200% increase in risk of death compared to those without sleep apnea. (1)
A New Sleep Apnea Treatment
In November of 2023, Zepbound was approved for the treatment of obesity. It was subsequently in July 2025 that the FDA approved Zepbound for treating moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults with obesity. This weight loss medication has been shown in large clinical trials studies to provide an average weight loss of 20% of the original body weight (2). As the weight comes off, something important happens: your airways stop collapsing, making it easier to breathe while you are sleeping. Research shows that Zepbound can reduce breathing pauses by up to 50%, which can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health (3).
Getting Tested Is Simple
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about testing. Most sleep tests can now be done at home with a small sensor you wear on your finger overnight. The test measures your AHI score, which tells how many times per hour your breathing pauses or oxygen levels drop. A score of 15 to 30 indicates moderate sleep apnea, while anything over 30 is considered severe.
What to Expect
Zepbound isn't an instant solution. It takes several months of treatment to lose enough weight to improve your sleep apnea. During this time, continue using your CPAP machine if you have one. Once you've lost 10% or more of your starting weight, your doctor will have you retested. At that point, many people can reduce their CPAP settings or stop using the machine altogether.
Insurance Coverage
Medicare now covers Zepbound for people with a BMI over 30 and moderate to severe sleep apnea. Many private insurance companies are also beginning to offer coverage. It's worth checking with your doctor and insurance company to understand your options.
Take the Next Step
Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but effective treatments are available. If you have obesity and symptoms of sleep apnea, don't put off getting help. Talk to your doctor about testing and explore your treatment options, including medications like Zepbound, lifestyle changes, and other approaches. The tools available today can help you sleep better, feel more energized, and protect your long-term health. You deserve a good night’s sleep and a healthy weight; take full advantage of the powerful tools that weren’t available five years ago.
Stay Healthy Stay Strong!
Dr. Leon Katz
This article is written for educational purposes. Please discuss your health-related options with a healthcare professional.
Resources
- Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Jonas DE, Amick HR, Feltner C, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(4):415-433 - Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity.
Aronne LJ, Horn DB, le Roux CW, et al. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2025;393(1):26-36. Doi - Tirzepatide for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity.
Atul Malhotra, M.D.
Published June 21, 2024. N Engl J Med 2024;391:1193-1205
Dr. Leon Katz MD, FACS, FASMBS, is a bariatrician specializing in non-surgical, medically supervised weight loss and currently practices at Dr. Leon Katz Medical Weight Loss Center.
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Leon Katz MD, FACS, FASMBS, is a bariatrician specializing in non-surgical, medically supervised weight loss. He focuses on patients seeking alternatives to surgery and those needing care after bariatric procedures. Dr. Katz was recently the director of a major medical weight loss program. With extensive experience in establishing successful weight management programs, he now concentrates exclusively on non-surgical weight loss solutions. Dr. Katz is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and Fellow of American College of Surgeons. Dr. Katz currently practices at Dr. Leon Katz Medical Weight Loss Center.Read more articles by Dr. Katz! |
