Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the airways become blocked during sleep, interrupting breathing sometimes dozens of times during a single night. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including excess weight. Fortunately, research suggests that weight loss can provide significant improvements in OSA, though it usually does not lead to a complete cure. A study2 monitored sleep quality in 72 overweight patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The results showed that a weight loss of only 10-15% could reduce the severity of OSA by 50% in moderately obese patients. This was largely sustained over the following year, despite some patients regaining much of the weight they had lost. It's important to note that while losing weight can help reduce symptoms of sleep apnea, it may not completely eliminate the need for CPAP. That's why it's essential to make sure you're taking steps to manage sleep apnea before you start committing to trying to lose weight.
Your otolaryngologist will be able to help you with this option and make sure you have the best possible chance of seeing results. Before starting any weight-loss program, talk to your doctor about your weight-loss goals and the impact weight loss can have on your symptoms. Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep are all part of a healthy lifestyle that can help you reach a healthy weight, even if you can't cure sleep apnea. And reaching a healthy weight can reduce symptoms.
I was recommended to lose weight with my doctor and I can see the result and many benefits that I can get on my ideal weight now. If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. So it is important to continue prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. In conclusion, weight loss can provide significant improvements in OSA, though it usually does not lead to a complete cure. Eating healthy can result in weight loss, which can reduce the size of your neck circumference and decrease the amount of pressure needed to keep your upper airways open.
Before starting any weight-loss program, talk to your doctor about your weight-loss goals and the impact weight loss can have on your symptoms.
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