Shaquille O'Neal Tackles Sleep Apnea with GLP‑1 Treatment

**Shaquille O'Neal** announced on 30 Jun 2024 that he began using a GLP‑1 medication after a sleep‑apnea diagnosis, joining a new Zepbound campaign to raise awareness.

After retiring in June 2011, the 7‑foot‑1 former NBA star underwent an overnight sleep study at Harvard Medical School. Doctors diagnosed him with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that disrupts breathing and often ties to excess weight. O'Neal initially shrugged off the advice, believing he was "superhuman," but growing fatigue forced a change.

O'Neal’s physician suggested Zepbound, an FDA‑approved GLP‑1 drug for weight management and OSA. The medication reduced his daytime tiredness and helped shed pounds. He paired the drug with more cardio-using an elliptical and a bike-and cut fast‑food intake, swapping daily McDonald’s meals for a reduced‑calorie diet. "I used to eat four or five McDonald’s items a day; not anymore," he told Healthline.

The former NBA champion says OSA is "serious but often overlooked," especially among men who think they’re invincible. He hopes his story will push other athletes and everyday men to seek treatment. "The problem with men? We think we’re superhuman, especially athletic men," he explained, noting that his own snoring once inspired friends to make funny videos.

Feeling healthier, O'Neal agreed to front a Zepbound campaign, aiming to educate the public and his six children about proactive health choices. He told GQ that his goal is a longer, stronger life for his family, adding that his son is eager for the day his grandchildren call him "Grandpa." The move follows other elite athletes, like Serena Williams, who have also endorsed GLP‑1 brands.

O'Neal will continue appearing in media interviews and social posts, sharing updates on his wellness routine. He encourages anyone suspecting sleep‑apnea symptoms-loud snoring, daytime fatigue-to get evaluated, emphasizing that early intervention can improve quality of life.

**Key takeaway:** Shaquille O'Neal’s adoption of a GLP‑1 drug highlights a growing trend among top athletes to address health issues beyond the court, blending medical treatment with lifestyle changes to stay fit for life after basketball.