Abstract Introduction GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RA) therapy is reshaping obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment. As GLP-1RAs become more prevalent, their role within clinical care is important to understand, whether first-line therapy or as a complementary tool. This research evaluates current GLP-1RAs usage in OSA and assesses the impact of these treatment patterns. Methods A 10-minute online survey was conducted in October 2025 among 50 ENTs and 100 Sleep Medicine Specialists (SMS). Respondents were required to have 2–30 years of post-residency experience, spend ≥75% of their time in direct patient care, and see patients that were actively on GLP-1RAs while also implanting or referring for Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation (HGNS). In addition, we assessed GLP-1RA usage with Truveta’s EHR data (120M patients, 30 health systems), including ~2.8M OSA diagnoses. Results Claims data show that 70% of the diagnosed OSA population is obese, driving a fast uptake in GLP-1RA usage. In addition, survey results indicate patients seeking treatment for OSA has increased over the past 6 months. SMS are utilizing GLP-1RAs in 29% of first-line OSA treatments. When CPAP is utilized as first-line, GLP-1RAs are also used in ~50% of patients as adjunct therapy. In our survey, 40% of physicians are still trialing GLP-1RAs with most planning to decide on adoption within 12 months. Survey respondents anticipate a short-term decrease in HGNS with a long-term net increase in implant volume. From claims data, the HGNS-BMI eligible patient population grew significantly post-GLP-1RA use. Conclusion Survey and claims data support that the majority of patients diagnosed with OSA live with obesity and are now prescribed with GLP-1RAs. Specialists report current or upcoming future use of GLP-1 RAs for people with obesity and sleep apnea. The findings suggest that GLP-1 RAs are currently disrupting traditional OSA treatment patterns, and that these medications may expand the total pool of patients seeking treatment for CPAP-alternatives, ultimately increasing the HGNS-BMI eligible population. Support (if any) This research was funded by LivaNova.
Mack et al. (Fri,) studied this question.