Sleep apnea and obesity

Abstract

Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are two extremely common and tightly linked disorders. Obesity, particularly in a pattern that increases fat deposition in the neck and upper body, has strong effects on OSA pathogenesis by narrowing the upper airway and increasing airway collapsibility. The effect of obesity on OSA risk is strongest in younger and male populations. In addition, growing evidence suggests OSA may have effects through intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation or other mechanisms, on adipose tissue or pathways that regulate weight homeostasis. Finally, a number of genetic, perinatal, and environmental factors may independently impact risk of both obesity and OSA. Given their high prevalence and frequent coexistence, as well as the shared complications induced by these two conditions particularly in terms of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, treatment strategies at both an individual and population level should focus on evaluating and treating both conditions.