Mixed
Weight reduction in individuals with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly reduces the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), with a 20% BMI reduction associated with a 57% AHI reduction, though the incremental benefit diminishes beyond this threshold.
If you have OSA and are overweight, losing weight is one of the most effective treatments available. Losing 20% of your body weight can reduce your sleep apnea severity by more than half. However, be aware that the biggest improvements happen in the first stages of weight loss; losing even more weight still helps, but the gains become smaller. Don't let the diminishing returns stop you—every bit of weight loss contributes to better sleep health.
BMI reduction of 20 % was associated with AHI reduction of 57 %, while further weight reduction beyond 20 % in BMI was associated with a smaller effect on AHI.
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of 27 studies with mixed RCTs and observational data; however, prediction intervals are wide and precise relationships are hard to establish.
Source
Weight reduction and the impact on apnea-hypopnea index: A systematic meta-analysis
Atul Malhotra et al. · Sleep Medicine · 2024
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