Patient. Provider. Person. A Real Conversation about Obesity

Episode Summary

In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley sits down with Dr. Jeremy McConnell, a nationally recognized expert in sleep and obesity medicine, to explore the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between sleep health and metabolic outcomes.

They discuss how disrupted sleep impacts weight regulation, the bidirectional relationship between sleep disorders and obesity, and the recent FDA approval of Zepbound (tirzepatide) for obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Dr. McConnell shares practical strategies for screening, diagnosing, and treating sleep disorders, as well as how body composition analysis can uncover hidden risk factors and improve patient outcomes.

This episode is essential for healthcare providers looking to integrate sleep health into chronic disease management and move toward more personalized, effective care.

Key Takeaways

• The sleep–weight connection – Poor sleep can worsen metabolic health, while excess weight can impair sleep quality.
• Beyond BMI – Body composition metrics like visceral fat and skeletal muscle mass can identify at-risk patients earlier.
• FDA update – What the approval of Zepbound means for OSA treatment in adults with obesity.
• Practical screening – Tools and workflows to identify and manage sleep-related health risks.
• Comprehensive care – Integrating sleep health into obesity and metabolic care for better long-term results.

About Dr. Jeremy McConnell

Dr. Jeremy McConnell, MD, MFOMA, Dipl. ABOM, is a sleep medicine and obesity specialist dedicated to bridging the gap between metabolic health and restorative sleep. With expertise in both medical and behavioral interventions, he helps patients improve health outcomes by addressing the underlying causes of sleep disruption and weight gain.

Connect with Dr. Jeremy McConnell

• LinkedIn: Dr. Jeremy McConnell
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcconnell.jeremy/