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Effects of Obesity on OSA and Its Treatment

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Primary Care Sleep Medicine

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Abstract

Obesity affects obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) via changes in the anatomy and physiology of respiration. Intermittent hypoxia may play a role between OSA and obesity comorbid diseases such as diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and pseudotumor cerebri. Obesity and androgen excess are risk factors for OSA in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Medical or surgical weight loss can lead to improvements in the severity of OSA; however, cure may not be possible and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may still be required. While CPAP may improve metabolic outcomes, there does not appear to be a clear effect of CPAP on weight loss or change in body composition.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Scott and White Healthcare/Texas A&M Health Science Center, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX, 76508, USA

    Shirley F. Jones M.D.

  2. Department of Medicine, Scott & White Memorial Hospital, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX, 76508, USA

    Veronica Brito M.D.

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  1. Shirley F. Jones M.D.
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  2. Veronica Brito M.D.
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Correspondence to Shirley F. Jones M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sleep Disorders Center, Pueblo, Colorado, USA

    James F. Pagel

  2. Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine / Center for Healthful Behavior Change, New York, New York, USA

    S. R. Pandi-Perumal

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Jones, S.F., Brito, V. (2014). Effects of Obesity on OSA and Its Treatment. In: Pagel, J., Pandi-Perumal, S. (eds) Primary Care Sleep Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1185-1_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1185-1_18

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