Losing Weight Can Reduce – Even Rid Sleep Apnea

By David Volpi, M.D., P.C., F.A.C.S., The Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center

New research shows that obese sleep apnea patients who lose just 10 percent of their weight can significantly improve their symptoms and potentially rid themselves of the sleep apnea all together.

According to an article in Health News last September, the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University in Philadelphia, and researchers at four other medical centers and universities analyzed data on 264 obese patients with type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea in varying forms. Those in weight loss treatment lost an average 10 percent of their beginning weight, and realized a significant reduction in number of sleep apnea episodes they suffered. Many moved to less severe categories, from moderate to mild, and 14 percent had complete remission of the disorder. Men with severe apnea who lost the most weight saw the greatest benefit.

It is thought that sleep apnea affects more than 18 million Americans. It is a potentially life-threatening disorder that can lead to heart disease, increase blood pressure, cause lung dysfunction and lead to stroke. A sleep apnea patient stops breathing during sleep for usually ten to twenty seconds, sometimes a minute or more, many times throughout the night. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type, and also the most dangerous. It is widespread in overweight and obese people because excess weight can cause the soft palate in the back of the mouth to collapse and block airway. However it should be noted that there are anatomical abnormalities such as a narrow throat or large tonsils that can also cause sleep apnea.

Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed because sleep apnea episodes occur only during sleep. Recognizing daytime symptoms, which include fatigue and daytime sleepiness (especially when it is thought that the patient should have received enough rest) is key to discovering this potentially life threatening disorder. If you believe you may have sleep apnea, it is important to have a physical examination by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) to get started on treatment. If your weight is a factor in your sleep apnea, your doctor can lead you to a weight loss program that is right for you.

It’s long been known that overweight and obese people are at risk for numerous health problems. It’s also known that in addition to lowering or ridding sleep apnea, by losing just 10 percent of body weight, overweight patients can improve their heart function, lower blood pressure and levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides, and decrease the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease – all reasons why weight management should be an important goal for a healthy lifestyle.

Those who participated in the weight loss study lost an average of 24 pounds by taking part in group behavior modification, eating a portion-controlled diet with liquid meal replacements, and exercising for 175 minutes per week for one year. “This is one of the first and certainly the largest study ever conducted,” Foster said. “It’s been clear that obesity increases the risk of sleep apnea but less clear that if obese people or people with type 2 diabetes lost weight, it would result in significant improvements in their sleep apnea—and it did.”

The study findings were published in the September 28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Read more about sleep apnea visit the Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center.