Research

Energy balance

Weight loss, achieved through lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) or bariatric surgery, significantly improves or resolves Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and its associated metabolic derangements.

Losing weight is the most effective way to treat OSA. This can be done through lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) or, if those fail, through bariatric surgery. Both methods significantly improve OSA symptoms and metabolic health. If you have OSA, prioritize weight loss as a primary treatment strategy alongside or instead of just using CPAP.

ModerateSupportsHIGH confidence
Weight loss is the key factor in the treatment of OSA. It can be achieved with exercise, diet changes, and/or medications... After losing weight through bariatric surgery, OSA, and metabolic derangements greatly improved.
Samy I. McFarlane · Sleep Medicine and Disorders International Journal · 2017

Why this rating

Based on a review of multiple studies including longitudinal data and surgical outcomes.

Source

Obstructive sleep apnea and obesity: implications for public health

Samy I. McFarlane · Sleep Medicine and Disorders International Journal · 2017

DOI 10.15406/smdij.2017.01.00019

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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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