Basketball Legend Reveals Health Battle and Treatment
NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal has publicly shared his decision to use the controversial weight-loss medication Zepbound, not primarily for aesthetic reasons, but to address a severe case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The 7-foot-1 sports legend detailed his personal health journey in a recent interview, conducted amidst his busy schedule covering NBA Finals games.
O’Neal, 54, who is currently juggling extensive television commitments, advertising endorsements, DJing, and the development of a professional dunking league, revealed that he has been quietly managing a significant health challenge. He was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea in 2011, shortly after retiring from professional basketball.
The Impact of Sleep Apnea
The condition, which can severely disrupt sleep patterns, has presented considerable difficulties for O’Neal, given his demanding professional life. In an effort to manage his OSA, he has turned to a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of drugs that includes Zepbound. This medication is approved for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, and research indicates it can also be effective for OSA.
Speaking about his decision to disclose his experience, O’Neal stated, “I chose to share my experience because OSA is a serious but often overlooked condition.” He expressed a desire to assist others who may be facing similar issues, recalling his own struggles after leaving the NBA. “I can remember, especially when I stopped playing, the snoring, the daytime tiredness, a lot of fatigue, and being unable to focus. So this is very personal to me.”
Lifestyle and Personal Choices
Alongside his use of Zepbound, O’Neal emphasized that he maintains a regular exercise routine and adheres to a healthy diet, though he humorously admitted to a fondness for his own “Shaq-a-Licious gummies.” When questioned about the ingredients in his popular confectionary, he clarified that they do not contain THC, joking that he would adopt a very different personal style if he were to use such substances.
O’Neal was recently seen on television contributing to pre-game coverage for an NBA Finals matchup. He appeared on set alongside his longtime colleague Charles Barkley, who is also known to be using GLP-1 drugs for weight management. The conversation around such treatments has also involved other prominent athletes, with tennis icon Serena Williams having publicly discussed her use of a similar weight-loss drug, for which she serves as a brand ambassador and holds a familial investment.
Williams has spoken about experiencing substantial relief from joint pain since giving birth to her daughter Olympia, particularly as she has returned to competitive tennis in her mid-40s.
