Weight Management in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Medical and Surgical Options

Kwang Wei Tham; Phong Ching Lee; Chin Hong Lim

doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2018.10.002

Weight Management in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Medical and Surgical Options

Sleep Med Clin. 2019 Mar;14(1):143-153. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2018.10.002.

Authors

Kwang Wei Tham¹, Phong Ching Lee², Chin Hong Lim²

Affiliations

¹ The Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore 169856, Singapore. Electronic address: tham.kwang.wei@singhealth.com.sg.
² The Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore 169856, Singapore.

PMID: 30709529
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2018.10.002

Abstract

Obesity plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and as an exacerbating factor of OSA. Given the interlinking relationship of obesity and OSA, treatment of obesity is fundamental in the management of OSA. Weight loss of 7% to 11% significantly improves OSA with remission seen with greater weight loss. Weight loss also ameliorates the constellation of other obesity-related metabolic conditions, reducing the overall cardiovascular risk in an obese person with OSA. This article discusses specific weight loss interventions effective in improving OSA, including lifestyle interventions with dietary modification and physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery.

Keywords: Asians; Bariatric surgery; Obesity; Obstructive sleep apnea; Pharmacotherapy; Weight loss.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Bariatric Surgery
Female
Humans
Life Style*
Obesity / complications
Obesity / therapy*
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / complications*
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / therapy
Weight Loss*