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Breaking ground in obesity care: new FDA approvals and innovations in weight management

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for numerous chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, certain cancers, and obstructive sleep apnea. Evidence suggests that effective obesity treatment could potentially reduce the risk of developing these associated complications. GLP-1 agonist drugs Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) and Wegovy® (semaglutide) have been FDA-approved as effective weight management medications for patients with obesity or overweight conditions. Scientists are studying these treatments for a broad variety of conditions, including kidney and liver disease. Wegovy has already been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and has been approved by the FDA for this indication.

At Private Health Management (PHM), our team of researchers and clinicians stays up to date on the latest in obesity management and helps our clients manage their risk factors for chronic disease. Here are some of the latest developments on weight management treatments.

FDA approves Zepbound as the first medication to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Millions of Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that interrupts sleep when the upper airways repeatedly collapse as throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the flow of air.1 Common signs of sleep apnea include snoring and choking or gasping while asleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of heart failure, sudden cardiac death, diabetes, high blood pressure, and neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia. The condition can be effectively managed by using a machine called a CPAP that pushes air into the lungs during sleep, but some patients find these machines difficult and uncomfortable to use. Sleep apnea is often associated with obesity, and doctors recommend that patients lose weight to help improve symptoms.

In December 2024, the FDA approved Zepbound as the first ever medication to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. The approval was based on data from two clinical trials. In the first study of over 200 adults who were already being treated with CPAP machines, adding weekly Zepbound treatment significantly reduced the number of sleep interruptions and breathing stoppages. In a second study, patients who were reluctant to use CPAP machines had significant improvement in sleep apnea symptoms after weekly injections with Zepbound.2 The improvements in sleep apnea symptoms in both studies are likely due to the patients’ weight loss.

While Wegovy has not been studied in clinical trials for sleep apnea, some patients have reported improved symptoms when taking this medication. Having an effective medication may help many patients with obesity manage sleep apnea and reduce their risk for serious complications, without the use of a CPAP machine.

Patients with obesity may lose more weight with Zepbound than Wegovy
In the first head-to-head clinical study of weight loss medications, Zepbound was reported to help patients lose 47% more weight than Wegovy, according to a press release from Zepbound manufacturer Eli Lilly. In their study of 751 patients with obesity or overweight conditions, Zepbound users lost an average of 20% of their body weight (50 pounds) over 72 weeks, compared to 14% (33 pounds) for Wegovy users.3 Both drugs, which target appetite regulation via GLP-1 hormone pathways, are considered highly effective, though Zepbound also engages a second hormone to enhance fat and sugar metabolism. Side effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms, are similar for both drugs.

The results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal but are expected to be presented at an upcoming medical conference in 2025. Experts note that factors such as cost and insurance coverage often drive treatment choice, and further research comparing health outcomes beyond weight loss will be crucial.

To learn more about weight management medications, click on the links below:

References

  1. Association, A. L. Sleep Apnea (OSA). https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/sleep-apnea.
  2. Commissioner, O. of the. FDA Approves First Medication for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. FDA https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-medication-obstructive-sleep-apnea (2024).
  3. Lilly’s Zepbound® (tirzepatide) superior to Wegovy® (semaglutide) in head-to-head trial showing an average weight loss of 20.2% vs. 13.7% | Eli Lilly and Company. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-zepboundr-tirzepatide-superior-wegovyr-semaglutide-head.
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Authors

Tracy Arsenault

Tracy Arsenault

Managing Clinical Director | Physician Assistant

Tracy Arsenault is a Managing Clinical Director at Private Health Management, where she leads a clinical unit focused on clients with serious and complex medical conditions. Tracy supports clients with multiple medical conditions and is instrumental in developing and implementing complex treatment plans designed to achieve optimal outcomes. With more than 14 years of experience as a Physician Assistant, she has specialized in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and vascular surgery. Her background includes extensive work as a Clinical Research Associate in endocrinology and nuclear medicine at prestigious institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Tracy is a licensed Physician Assistant in California, certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and holds dual Master degrees in Exercise Physiology and Physician Assistant Studies.
Sheley Baylon

Sheley Baylon

Senior Research Director & Head of Pharmacology

Sheley Baylon is a licensed Doctor of Pharmacy with twelve years of experience in pharmacy and laboratory research. Previously, she worked at Loma Linda University Medical Center, advising patients on chemotherapy regimens and investigational medications. At Private Health Management, Sheley reviews medical literature to create patient-friendly reports, helping clients make informed health decisions.