Can we talk about the SURMOUNT-OSA results? Because they are genuinely life-changing for those of us with obstructive sleep apnea.
For those who haven't seen it:
SURMOUNT-OSA Trial Summary:
- Population: Adults with moderate-to-severe OSA and obesity (BMI ≥30)
- Two sub-studies: those not using CPAP/PAP at baseline (Study 1) and those using CPAP/PAP (Study 2)
- Primary endpoint: Change in AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) from baseline
Key results (52 weeks):
| Endpoint | Tirz (max 15mg) | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| AHI reduction (Study 1) | -25.3 events/hr | -5.3 events/hr |
| AHI reduction (Study 2) | -29.3 events/hr | -5.5 events/hr |
| Patients achieving AHI <5 (mild/resolved) | ~42% | ~6% |
| Patients achieving AHI <15 (no longer moderate/severe) | ~62% | ~14% |
| Body weight reduction | ~18-20% | ~2% |
42% of patients achieved AHI <5, which is essentially RESOLUTION of sleep apnea. I'm 54 years old and I've been on CPAP for 12 years. The idea that a weekly injection might let me ditch this machine is incredibly exciting.
Anyone else here with OSA on tirz? What's been your experience?
Sleep medicine physician here. SURMOUNT-OSA is one of the most impactful obesity-related trials published in recent years, and I say that as someone who prescribes CPAP for a living.
Important clinical nuances:
- The AHI reductions are massive. A 25-point AHI reduction is the difference between severe OSA and normal. For context, CPAP typically reduces AHI to <5 when used properly, but adherence is terrible (~50% stop using it within a year). A medication-based approach that achieves this for 42% of patients is clinically transformative.
- This isn't just about the weight loss. The AHI improvements exceeded what would be predicted from weight loss alone, suggesting tirzepatide may have direct effects on upper airway physiology — possibly through reduction of pharyngeal fat deposition and/or anti-inflammatory effects on upper airway tissues.
- Quality of life metrics were also significantly improved — Epworth Sleepiness Scale, FOSQ (Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire), and patient-reported snoring all improved dramatically.
- Caveat: If you're on CPAP, do NOT stop it without a repeat sleep study and discussion with your sleep doc. Even if you feel better, untreated residual OSA can still increase cardiovascular risk.
I'm now having conversations with patients about tirzepatide as a potential CPAP exit strategy, which is something I never thought I'd say.
— Board-certified in sleep medicine and pulmonology
I am one of those success stories. Started tirz 8 months ago at BMI 38 with moderate OSA (AHI 22). Lost 52 lbs, did a repeat home sleep test last month — AHI is now 3.8. THREE POINT EIGHT. My sleep doctor said I can stop CPAP.
I cried in his office. I literally cried. I've hated that machine for 6 years. The mask marks, the dry mouth, the hose getting tangled, the noise, traveling with it... all gone.
I sleep better now without CPAP than I ever did with it. My husband says I don't snore anymore. I wake up feeling actually rested instead of just "less terrible."
This drug changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic but it's the truth.
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View ResultsI'm at 12.5mg. The sleep improvements were noticeable pretty early — probably by month 2-3, even before major weight loss. My husband noticed the snoring reduced first, then I started waking up feeling more refreshed. By month 4 I was "forgetting" to put on my CPAP because I was sleeping so well without it (I know, bad, don't do this before getting tested).
The home sleep test at month 7 confirmed what I was feeling. Went from AHI 22 to 3.8. Repeat oximetry was normal too — no desaturations below 90%.