There are numerous influencers on the development of sleep apnea. While we do not always understand each relationship, one thing is clear–weight loss can help improve symptoms of sleep apnea. It can significantly improve, and potentially eliminate, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms in obese people. Let’s take a closer look at the link between weight and sleep apnea.
What is the link?
Not everyone with sleep apnea is overweight, but most patients are. Losing weight gets rid of fat that blocks the windpipe, and it will not only fix your sleep trouble, but can also help with your cholesterol, knees, clothes and overall feeling of yourself. Some people have found that moderate to severe sleep apnea can be completely corrected by losing excess weight. And for others, even a small amount of weight loss can open up the throat and improve sleep apnea symptoms.
Researchers have found that people with severe OSA who lost the recommended amount of weight, were three times more likely to experience remission of sleep apnea symptoms compared to those who did not lose any weight.
After weight loss, if you are still experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, Dr. Mayoor Patel can work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan, including oral appliance therapy. Remember, sleep apnea should never be ignored, so schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia to determine the best treatment option for you.
