Dual incretin analogue tirzepitide - SURMOUNTing the challenge of obesity induced obstructive sleep apnea

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Kurz

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent, often underdiagnosed sleep disorder tightly linked to obesity. Continuous positive airway pressure can be effective, yet adherence limits real-world impact. Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, is evaluated as a pharmacologic option for OSA management via weight reduction and metabolic effects. This narrative review searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus (to May 2024), synthesizing trials, systematic reviews, and observational studies on tirzepatide in OSA and obesity. Findings from SURMOUNT-OSA indicate clinically meaningful reductions in body weight, apnea-hypopnea index, and systemic inflammation, with possible improvements in sleep quality and cardiovascular risk factors, supporting further long-term research for guideline adoption.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

| W | J | E | M | World Journal of
Experimental Medicine | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | Submit a Manuscript: [https://www.f6publishing.com](https://www.f6publishing.com) World J Exp Med 2025 December 20; 15(4): 109762 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v15.i4.109762 ISSN 2220-315x (online) MINIREVIEWS Dual incretin analogue tirzepitide-SURMOUNTing the challenge of obesity induced obstructive sleep apnea Jyoti Bajpai, Mehul Saxena, Utkarsh Agarwal, Akshyaya Pradhan Specialty type: Medicine, research and experimental Provenance and peer review: Invited article; Externally peer reviewed. Peer-review model: Single blind Peer-review report’s classification Scientific Quality: Grade C Novelty: Grade B Creativity or Innovation: Grade B Scientific Significance: Grade C P-Reviewer: Cordovil K, PhD, Consultant, Professor, Researcher, Brazil Received: May 21, 2025 Revised: June 11, 2025 Accepted: October 11, 2025 Published online: December 20, 2025 Processing time: 212 Days and 15.4 Hours Jyoti Bajpai, Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India Mehul Saxena, Gandhi Memorial Hospital, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India Utkarsh Agarwal, Faculty of Medical Sciences, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India Akshyaya Pradhan, Department of Cardiology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India Corresponding author: Akshyaya Pradhan, Department of Cardiology, King George’s Medical University, Shahmina Road, Chowk, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India. [akshyaya33@gmail.com](akshyaya33@gmail.com) Abstract Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent and underdiagnosed sleep disorder strongly associated with obesity. Traditional therapies such as continuous positive airway pressure are effective but often limited by poor adherence. Recent evidence suggests that tirzepatide, a dual glucagon like receptor-1 and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist, may offer a pharmacologic approach to OSA management through its weight-reducing and metabolic effects. This narrative review was conducted using a structured search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for English-language articles published up to May 2024. Keywords included “tirzepatide”,“obstructive sleep apnea”,“OSA”, and “GLP-1 agonist”. Clinical trials, systematic reviews, and relevant observational studies focusing on tirzepatide’s role in OSA or obesity were included and thematically analyzed. Emerging evidence from the SURMOUNT-OSA and related trials indicates that tirzepatide leads to clinically significant reductions in body weight, apnea-hypopnea index, and systemic inflammation. The drug was found to be effective and also showed additional benefits in sleep quality and cardiovascular risk factors. Tirzepatide represents a promising pharmacologic advancement in the management of obesity-related OSA. By targeting both metabolic and structural contributors to OSA, it may serve as an adjunct or alternative to traditional therapies. Further research is warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes and to define its role in clinical practice guidelines. WJEM [https://www.wjgnet.com](https://www.wjgnet.com) 1 December 20, 2025 Volume 15 Issue 4 Bajpai J et al. Tirzepitide for obesity with OSA Key Words: Apnea hypopnea index; Weight loss; Continuous positive airway pressure; Glucagon like receptor-1; SURMOUNT-1 trial ©The Author(s) 2025. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. Core Tip: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder often caused by obesity. Standard treatments like continuous positive airway pressure can help, but many people struggle to use them long term. Tirzepatide, a new medication that targets both glucagon-like peptide-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptors, offers a different approach. B

FAQs

Why is obesity closely linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

OSA involves recurrent upper-airway obstruction during sleep, causing intermittent hypoxia and arousals. Obesity contributes through adipose deposition around the neck and airway narrowing, along with reduced chest wall compliance and additional anatomical or neuromuscular factors.

What limitation affects traditional OSA therapy such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)?

CPAP can be effective, but long-term adherence is often poor, which limits its practical effectiveness for many patients.

How does tirzepatide potentially help manage obesity-related OSA?

Tirzepatide targets GLP-1 and GIP receptors, promoting weight loss and metabolic improvements. Evidence from SURMOUNT-OSA suggests reductions in body weight, apnea-hypopnea index, and systemic inflammation, with potential benefits for sleep quality and cardiovascular risk.

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Kurz