London, UK; For years, basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal believed constant fatigue, loud snoring, and restless nights were simply part of life. As one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he pushed through the exhaustion, assuming it came with his size and demanding schedule. But a recent diagnosis revealed a different reality, he was living with moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep-related breathing disorder that often goes undiagnosed.
Now, O'Neal is sharing his personal health journey through a new national awareness campaign launched by Eli Lilly and Company, pharma company. The campaign, titled "Watch This," aims to educate millions of Americans about the symptoms, risks, and treatment options for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, particularly among adults living with obesity.
According to Lilly, approximately 24 million adults in the United States are affected by obstructive sleep apnea, yet the majority remain undiagnosed. Symptoms such as chronic snoring, daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and interrupted sleep are often ignored or mistaken for normal fatigue. O'Neal admitted that he spent years overlooking these warning signs before finally seeking medical advice.
After receiving his diagnosis, O'Neal's doctor prescribed Zepbound (tirzepatide), the first and only FDA-approved prescription medication specifically indicated for treating moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, the treatment became an important part of his sleep apnea management plan.
Clinical studies have shown promising results for Zepbound in improving sleep apnea symptoms. Research demonstrated significant reductions in breathing interruptions during sleep, measured through the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Many patients experienced substantial improvement, while a significant percentage achieved remission or only mild sleep apnea symptoms after one year of treatment.
The new awareness campaign extends far beyond traditional advertising. Through television, streaming platforms, social media, digital channels, and community outreach events, O'Neal shares his personal experience with sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. The goal is to encourage people experiencing symptoms of OSA to consult healthcare professionals and explore available treatment options.
Lilly executives believe that increasing awareness is critical because untreated obstructive sleep apnea can affect overall health, quality of life, and daily performance. By partnering with a trusted public figure who has firsthand experience with the condition, the company hopes to spark conversations around sleep health and obesity-related complications.
Beyond its role in treating obstructive sleep apnea, Zepbound is also approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight individuals with weight-related medical conditions. The medication works by targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, helping regulate appetite, food intake, and body weight.
For O'Neal, the campaign represents more than a partnership—it is an opportunity to help others recognize symptoms that he once ignored. His message is simple: if something feels wrong with your sleep, don't assume it's normal. Seeking medical advice could be the first step toward better sleep, improved health, and a better quality of life.
As awareness around obesity treatment and sleep apnea management continues to grow, Lilly's new campaign places one of basketball's biggest legends at the center of a conversation that could help millions finally get the diagnosis and care they need.
About Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly and Company is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, United States, with a history spanning more than 150 years. The company focuses on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and immune-related disorders. Through advancements in biotechnology, genetic medicine, and clinical research, Lilly aims to address some of the world's most significant healthcare challenges. Its medicines help millions of patients globally, supporting better health outcomes and quality of life.
Resources:
https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/zepbound-tirzepatide-and-shaquille-oneal-launch-national
https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/sleep-apnea-devices-market-sizing
https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/anti-snoring-devices-market-sizing
https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/circadian-rhythm-sleep-disorder-market-sizing