NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal has revealed that he has been taking the GLP-1 medication Zepbound as part of his efforts to manage obstructive sleep apnea.
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O'Neal, 54, said he began using the medication after being diagnosed with the condition in 2011. It was shortly after retiring from the NBA following his final season with the Boston Celtics.
Shaquille O'Neal Opens Up About Taking Zepbound
Zepbound was originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. Though it has more recently gained widespread attention for its weight-loss benefits.
"You know, I chose to share my experience because OSA is a serious but often overlooked condition," O'Neal told GQ in a recent interview. "I want to help people if I can, because 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."
The basketball legend explained that his primary goal was not weight loss but improving his sleep quality, energy levels, and mental sharpness in retirement.
O'Neal joins a growing list of high-profile athletes who have spoken publicly about GLP-1 medications. This includes Serena Williams and fellow NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, his longtime colleague on the television show Inside the NBA.
Former NBA Star Focused on Long-Term Health
O'Neal emphasized that medication is only one part of his overall health strategy.
He said he has also committed to "eating right and staying active with a lot of walking" to improve his well-being.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, O'Neal revealed that his weight climbed to around 415 pounds. This was significantly above his playing weight of roughly 325 pounds during his NBA career.
Speaking with Men's Health in 2021, he shared his goal of slimming down to 350 pounds through a combination of exercise and dietary changes.
His routine typically includes four workouts per week, consisting of approximately 20 minutes of cardio and 40 minutes of strength training.
Away from basketball, O'Neal has partnered with several health and wellness companies aimed at helping men improve their fitness and lifestyle habits.
He previously worked with Novex Biotech to promote its GF-9 supplement and has also endorsed Alkaline88, a company that produces alkaline water enhanced with minerals and electrolytes.
Despite his commitment to healthier habits, O'Neal admitted to Men's Health that he still occasionally indulges in his favorite foods, but now does so in moderation.
