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How does Weight Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Being overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)/Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) is one of the most substantial risk factors for the development and worsening of obstructive sleep apnea.[1]

But why? The deposition of fat into the upper airway results in a narrowing of the lumen and worsening upper airway collapsibility, which increases the propensity for apneic events.[2]

References

  1. Mitra AK, Bhuiyan AR, Jones EA. Association and Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review. Diseases. 2021 Dec 2;9(4):88.
  2. Romero-Corral A, Caples SM, Lopez-Jimenez F, Somers VK. Interactions between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea: implications for treatment. Chest. 2010 Mar;137(3):711-9. doi: 10.1378/chest.09-0360. PMID: 20202954; PMCID: PMC3021364.
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Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

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Dr. C Humphreys

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