Weight Management in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Medical and Surgical Options.

Obesity plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and as an exacerbating factor of OSA. Given the interlinking relationship of obesity and OSA, treatment of obesity is fundamental in the management of OSA. Weight loss of 7% to 11% significantly improves OSA with remission seen with greater weight loss. Weight loss also ameliorates the constellation of other obesity-related metabolic conditions, reducing the overall cardiovascular risk in an obese person with OSA. This article discusses specific weight loss interventions effective in improving OSA, including lifestyle interventions with dietary modification and physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery.