Perspective-weight loss, obstructive sleep apnea therapy, or both for cardiometabolic risk in obesity-related

Brandon Nokes1,2, Brian S Wojeck3, Christopher N Schmickl2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Sleep Medicine Section, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.

Sleep
|April 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

New obesity medications show promise for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Weight loss significantly improves OSA severity, but optimal real-world strategies for comorbid obesity and OSA require further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Science
  • Pharmacology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequently coexist.
  • Emerging pharmacotherapies for obesity offer new treatment avenues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of weight loss pharmacotherapies on OSA.
  • To identify optimal management strategies for comorbid obesity and OSA.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent clinical trials on weight loss and OSA.
  • Analysis of FDA approvals for weight loss medications in OSA treatment.

Main Results:

  • Weight loss medications demonstrate significant improvements in weight and OSA severity.
  • First FDA approval granted for a weight loss medication specifically for OSA.

Conclusions:

  • Pharmacotherapies represent a significant advancement in managing comorbid obesity and OSA.
  • Further research is needed to determine equitable and effective real-world treatment protocols.

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