Obesity and Sleep Apnea: A Complex Relationship

Over the years, researchers have found that obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are often linked. However, we do not yet fully understand the extremely complex relationship between weight and sleep disorders. Here’s what we do know:

• The increased prevalence of obesity in America mirrors the increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea cases.
• Overweight men and women with large neck circumferences are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea symptoms than the non-obese.
• Both obesity and sleep apnea have been linked with other serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer, and stroke.
• Sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, and glucose regulation issues. All of these health problems can cause sufferers to gain weight.
• The disruptive nature of sleep apnea likely causes multiple metabolic problems in patients, making it more difficult for them to lose weight.
• Sleep apnea affects the body’s ability to uptake oxygen and engage in aerobic exercise. This could also make it more difficult for those with untreated sleep apnea to fight obesity.
• For obese sleep apnea sufferers, losing weight can be an effective way to curb symptoms or even cure the disorder.
• Not all sleep apnea patients are overweight. In fact, a significant number of thin people suffer from moderate to severe OSA.

Obesity & Sleep Apnea Surgery at Surgical Sleep Solutions At Surgical Sleep Solutions, we are dedicated to helping all obstructive sleep apnea patients – and we absolutely do not believe in shaming or blaming sleep apnea sufferers who also struggle with weight. Over the years, from working with hundreds of patients, we have come to understand that obesity and obstructive sleep apnea often influence each other in both directions: sleep apnea can significantly affect weight, while weight problems can significantly affect sleep apnea. Both sleep apnea and obesity are linked to serious and similar comorbidities. Obesity and and morbid obesity are extremely important considerations when we discuss the ideal treatment plan for a patient suffering from moderate to severe OSA. While some overweight or obese individuals may safely undergo bimaxillary advancement surgery, many others may not be ideal patients for this procedure. Very simply, obese patients with a significant number of comorbidities are at high risk for surgical complication, longer hospital stays, and longer recovery times. When exploring sleep apnea treatment options and considering bimaxillary advancement surgery, we look at the following weight-related considerations:

• The patient’s body mass index (BMI).
• The patient’s obesity comorbidities and sleep apnea comorbidities (which both include blood pressure, high cholesterol, glucose intolerance, and heart disease).
• The patient’s age.
• The patient’s overall health.

BMI Calculation Generally, we do not consider patients for surgery if they have a BMI over 35. Please use our BMI calculator to find out whether you may be a good candidate for bimaxillary advancement surgery. BMI Calculator If your BMI is higher than our recommendation, you may wish to seek alternative treatments, such as the CPAP device. These non-surgical treatments may allow you to treat your sleep apnea on a nightly basis, which may give you the opportunity to improve your weight and your overall health. You may be become a better candidate for permanent sleep apnea surgery once your sleep apnea and weight are under control. Do you have a question about sleep apnea, obesity, and OSA surgical treatments? We are here to help. Please contact Surgical Sleep Solutions team to learn more at 855-560-7378 or via the form below. We will get back to you as soon as possible. [gravityform id="14" name="Contact Us By Email" title="false" description="false" ajax="false"]