Tirzepatide: A Breakthrough Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Metabolic Dysfunction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder characterized by repeated, complete, and partial upper airway blockage, which results in disturbances in sleep patterns, neurocognitive functions, and hypoxemia. It is strongly linked to obesity and metabolic dysfunction, contributing to cardiovascular and neurocognitive complications. Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown significant potential for weight loss with metabolic benefits, making it a potential therapeutic strategy for OSA by reducing fat deposition around the upper airway, improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering systemic inflammation. Emerging clinical studies have shown potential improvement in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygenation. In this review, we have explored the role of tirzepatide in managing OSA by targeting obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and airway stability. Here, we have also examined tirzepatide mechanisms by highlighting clinical trials to find its efficacy in reducing OSA severity and improving patient outcomes.