Host (Adam):
When it comes to obstructive sleep apnea, how much of a role does body composition play? Many people think sleep apnea is only something that overweight or older people need to worry about. Is that the case?

And while we’re talking about body composition, the conversation around GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs such as Wegovy, Mounjaro and Ozempic is never far behind. How do they interact with sleep apnea and potentially play a part in its treatment?

These are the questions we’re putting to Bryce Perron, CEO and founder of CPAP Direct. Bryce, thank you so much for joining us once again on Healthy Living.

Bryce Perron: My pleasure.

Host:
Let’s tackle the question head on. Does sleep apnea only affect older people who are overweight?

Bryce:
That’s such a common misconception. Obesity and age are risk factors, but they’re not requirements.

A 2004 study of 2,950 middle-aged people already diagnosed with sleep apnea found that 60% of them were not obese — they had a BMI under 30. Excess fat or muscle can make symptoms worse, but you can’t just look at someone and assume they have (or don’t have) sleep apnea. Sixty percent of people with it aren’t even overweight.

Host:
You said something interesting there — excess muscle can also make symptoms worse.

Bryce:
You’re spot on. A lot of bodybuilders and rugby players have sleep apnea because of the density of tissue around the airway. When we go to sleep the muscles that support the upper airway relax, and a large neck or crowded airway increases the pressure and can cut off oxygen.

It doesn’t cause sleep apnea — it just makes the symptoms worse. I’m a pretty fit guy and I was diagnosed about twenty years ago. My son was diagnosed at four years old and my dad has it too. None of us fit the stereotype. Sleep apnea really doesn’t discriminate — you have to go through the proper process to find out if you have a problem.

Host:
I had no idea muscle mass could play a role like that. And your son was diagnosed at just four?

Bryce:
Yes. In kids they often remove adenoids and tonsils to create more space in the airway. But as children go through puberty things change, and symptoms can return — so we need to look at other treatment options later on.

Host:
That rules a line through the myth that age and body composition are the only factors. While we’re on body composition, how do GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro fit into the picture of sleep apnea management?

Bryce:
They’re a really good tool in the tool belt for people who medically need them, because losing weight can reduce fatty tissue and pressure around the upper airway.

A year-long trial in obese adults with moderate to severe sleep apnea showed that being on a GLP-1 reduced the severity of their sleep apnea. So it definitely plays a role.

It’s really important that it’s physician-guided — you want someone experienced with these medications guiding you through the process.

Host:
To be clear — a GLP-1 isn’t a replacement for a CPAP machine then?

Bryce:
Correct. It’s not a magic bullet. Research found that the first 10% of body weight lost can reduce severity by around 20–26% on average.

If someone has moderate sleep apnea and is stopping breathing 25 times an hour, losing 10% of their body weight might bring that down to around 20 times an hour. It’s helped, but the GLP-1 doesn’t correct nasal obstruction or the underlying tendency of the airway to collapse.

CPAP remains the gold standard for treating sleep apnea. Used together with a GLP-1 it can yield great results for the right people — but always talk to your doctor.

One of the watch-outs is losing weight too quickly and losing lean muscle mass and bone density. It’s important to have someone in your corner coaching you to keep doing resistance training and getting plenty of protein so your muscles stay healthy.

Host:
Exactly. For anyone concerned about their sleep apnea, what should they do?

Bryce:
If you’re not getting good quality sleep, you’re always tired, have brain fog, or have weight you can’t shift, the first step is to talk to your doctor about a referral to Sleep Testing Australia for an in-home sleep test.

Don’t assume that losing weight or feeling somewhat better means the sleep apnea has disappeared. Some people with severe sleep apnea have almost no symptoms — and that’s almost worse because the long-term health risks continue untreated.

Losing weight can help reduce severity, but it doesn’t treat the core issue of the airway collapsing. Chat to your doctor, get a referral for a home sleep test, and find out exactly where you sit on the severity scale and what you can do about it.

Host:
Bryce, you’ve busted some myths, cleared up misconceptions, and given us a lot to think about. As always, it’s been a pleasure having you on the show.

Bryce: I love it — always a pleasure. Thanks Adam.

Host:
That is Bryce Perron, CEO and founder of CPAP Direct.