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Obstructive sleep apnea — illustrative hero

Obstructive sleep apnea

ICD-10 G47.33

Reviewed by the WeighedHealth Editorial Team against primary clinical sources — FDA labeling, peer-reviewed trials, and specialty-society guidelines.
Content current as of July 2026; updated when guidance or availability changes.
Last verified by WeighedHealth Editorial Team against primary sources
~0M
US adults with moderate-severe OSA
AHI ≥0
diagnostic threshold for OSA
~0%
remain undiagnosed
04
Zepbound FDA approval for OSA + obesity

What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

  • Loud snoring with witnessed pauses in breathing or choking/gasping awakenings
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥10)
  • Morning headaches and dry mouth on waking
  • Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mood changes
  • Nocturia (waking to urinate ≥2 times/night) — often overlooked OSA marker
  • Refractory hypertension (especially morning blood pressure spikes)

Who is at risk for obstructive sleep apnea?

  • BMI ≥30 (the largest modifiable risk factor)
  • Male sex (2-3× higher prevalence; gap narrows after menopause)
  • Age ≥40 (prevalence climbs through middle age)
  • Large neck circumference (>17" men, >16" women)
  • Family history of OSA
  • Anatomic factors: enlarged tonsils, retrognathia, large tongue
  • Alcohol or sedative use before sleep (relaxes upper airway muscles)

How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?

STOP-BANG questionnaire for screening (snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, blood pressure, BMI, age, neck, gender). Confirmed by polysomnography or home sleep apnea test. Severity by Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI): mild 5-15, moderate 15-30, severe >30.

How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?

First-line: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Weight loss for overweight patients reduces severity dramatically. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) FDA-approved 2024 for OSA in adults with obesity. Mandibular advancement devices for mild-moderate disease or CPAP-intolerant. Upper airway surgery for selected anatomic abnormalities. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation for moderate-severe OSA who cannot use CPAP.

Medications used for obstructive sleep apnea

Authority reference: aasm.org

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Sources

Primary sources cited above. FDA labeling, peer-reviewed trials, and specialty-society guidelines only.

  1. Tirzepatide for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity (SURMOUNT-OSA) · New England Journal of Medicine, 2024 · PMID 38869006
  2. Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnostic Testing for Adult OSA · American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2017 · PMID 28162150

People also ask

  • Can weight loss cure sleep apnea?

    Significant weight loss reduces or eliminates OSA in many patients with obesity-driven disease. The SURMOUNT-OSA trial showed tirzepatide (Zepbound) reduced AHI by ~50% and reversed OSA in ~43% of trial participants at one year. Weight loss is now FDA-recognized as an OSA treatment, not just a risk-factor intervention.

  • What is the AHI and what numbers should I know?

    AHI = Apnea-Hypopnea Index, the average breathing disturbances per hour during sleep. 5-15 = mild OSA, 15-30 = moderate, >30 = severe. AHI under 5 with symptoms can still be clinically significant (upper airway resistance syndrome). Goal of treatment is typically AHI <5 on therapy.

  • If I can't tolerate CPAP, what are my options?

    Auto-titrating PAP often improves tolerance over fixed-pressure CPAP. Mandibular advancement devices (oral appliances fit by a dentist) work well for mild-moderate disease. Inspire (hypoglossal nerve stimulator, implanted) is FDA-approved for moderate-severe OSA who fail CPAP. Surgery (UPPP, jaw advancement, tonsillectomy) is anatomy-specific. Weight loss with a GLP-1 is now an evidence-backed primary option for obesity-driven OSA.

  • Why does OSA cause high blood pressure?

    Repeated nighttime hypoxia + arousal triggers sympathetic activation, raising blood pressure that persists into the day. OSA is the most common cause of refractory hypertension (HTN not controlled on 3+ medications including a diuretic). Treating OSA often reduces blood pressure and medication burden.

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