A sleep disorder in which the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing brief pauses in breathing; it is closely linked to obesity.
Updated Jul 18, 2026
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the upper airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep, causing brief pauses in breathing and drops in oxygen. It can lead to loud snoring, fragmented sleep, daytime fatigue, and, over time, added strain on the heart.
OSA is strongly linked to excess weight, particularly around the neck and abdomen. Standard treatments include CPAP therapy and weight management, and tirzepatide has been approved to treat moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity, based on trials showing it reduced the number of breathing interruptions during sleep.
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