Sleeping Better Starts Long Before Bedtime
How modern weight-loss treatments are transforming outcomes for people with obstructive sleep apnoea.
A significant factor contributing to the growing prevalence of OSA is obesity. Research suggests that approximately 70% of people with obstructive sleep apnoea are overweight or obese, making excess body weight one of the most important risk factors associated with the condition.
“Risk factor” is medically more accurate than “underlying cause” because OSA can occur in people who are not overweight.
Traditionally, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has been the gold-standard treatment. CPAP works by delivering a continuous flow of air through a mask during sleep, helping to keep the airway open. While highly effective, many patients find it difficult to tolerate and long-term adherence can be challenging.
Increasingly, medical experts are focusing on addressing underlying contributors to OSA, rather than simply managing its symptoms. This avoids implying that obesity is the sole cause of OSA in every patient. Weight reduction can significantly improve sleep apnoea because excess fat tissue can contribute to airway narrowing and increase the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep. By reducing body weight, patients may improve airway function and reduce the frequency of breathing interruptions. “Airway anatomy” is not wrong, but “airway function” is slightly broader and less absolute.
“Around 70% of people with obstructive sleep apnoea are overweight or obese.”
This is where the latest generation of weight-loss medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are attracting considerable attention. Treatments such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) help reduce appetite and calorie intake, leading to meaningful and sustained weight loss. Clinical studies have shown that many patients can achieve weight reductions of around 10% to 20%, depending on the treatment, treatment duration and individual response.
Dr Catrin Bevan
General Practitioner, Safeguarding Lead
MBBS, DRCOG
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed health conditions worldwide. Affecting up to one billion people globally, it can have a profound impact on daily life, energy levels and long-term health. While many people associate sleep apnoea with loud snoring, the condition is far more serious than a disturbed night’s sleep.
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“By treating the underlying cause of sleep apnoea rather than simply the symptoms, we can achieve meaningful improvements in both sleep quality and long-term health.”
Sleep Apnoea at a Glance
- Affects up to 1 billion people worldwide
- Often linked to excess weight
- Can increase cardiovascular risk
- Treatable with lifestyle intervention and medical support
Importantly, even modest weight loss can make a difference. Studies have shown that a reduction of just 5% to 10% of body weight may improve the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea. Benefits can include fewer breathing interruptions during sleep, reduced daytime fatigue and improvements in quality of life.
The advantages extend beyond better sleep. Weight loss associated with GLP-1 therapies has also been linked to improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar control, cardiovascular health and inflammation levels, all of which are important considerations for patients with obesity-related health conditions.
Experts are keen to stress that these medications should be viewed as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. Healthy eating, regular physical activity and lifestyle changes remain essential. In many cases, weight-loss treatment complements rather than replaces CPAP therapy.
For those struggling with symptoms such as persistent tiredness, loud snoring or witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, seeking professional assessment is important. With advances in both sleep medicine and weight management, treating the underlying causes of obstructive sleep apnoea has never been more achievable, offering patients the opportunity for better sleep, improved health and a higher quality of life.