Obesity Rates, Weight Loss Medications, and Their Impact on Sleep Apnea!
Obesity has been a growing health concern in the United States for decades. In 1999-2000, about 30 percent of Americans were classified as obese, a number that steadily increased to around 42 percent in the years 2017-2020. However, for the first time in recent history, the obesity rate stabilized between 2021-2023, hovering around 40 percent. One of the factors believed to have contributed to this leveling off is the rise in the use of GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, especially among young females aged 12-25. These drugs are designed to assist with weight loss and have seen a significant increase in prescriptions in recent years .
The U.S. Government, through its Healthy People 2030 initiative, is aiming to reduce obesity rates further, targeting a 36 percent obesity rate by promoting better nutrition habits and encouraging physical activity. Their goal is to lower the rate to around 1 in 3 Americans instead of the current 2 in 5 . One of the potential benefits of reducing obesity rates is a decrease in the prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Obesity is a known risk factor for OSA, and losing weight can help improve symptoms for those affected.
The relationship between obesity and OSA is twofold. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), not only does obesity increase the risk of developing OSA, but having OSA can also make it harder to lose weight. Those with OSA may struggle with weight gain due to disruptions in sleep, which affect metabolism, hunger hormones, and energy levels .
Weight loss can help reduce OSA symptoms by decreasing the amount of fatty tissue in the throat and abdomen. AASM explains that losing weight, especially in the throat area, makes the airway less likely to collapse during sleep, which improves breathing. Additionally, treating OSA with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines helps regulate leptin, a hormone that affects hunger, making weight loss more manageable .
Weight loss medications are not officially recognized as a treatment for OSA, but they are starting to play a role in OSA management. Studies as far back as 2016 have shown a connection between weight loss drugs and a reduction in OSA symptoms, with one study showing a decrease of six episodes per hour in patients using weight loss medications compared to a placebo . More recent studies, including two from 2024, indicate that Terzepetide could reduce OSA-related breathing issues by as many as 20-24 episodes per hour .
While these findings are promising, weight loss drugs are not suitable for everyone, and their long-term effects are still being studied. Side effects, such as "Ozempic face" (sagging skin due to rapid weight loss) and gastrointestinal issues, are common concerns. Additionally, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned against the use of counterfeit or unapproved versions of these medications, urging consumers to be cautious about illegal online sales of weight loss drugs .
For individuals with both obesity and OSA, it’s crucial to approach treatment holistically. Weight loss medications may provide relief under medical supervision, but they should not replace proven treatments like CPAP therapy. Those with OSA should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers to address the complexities of treating both conditions together.
References:
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Prevalence of Obesity and Severe Obesity Among Adults: United States, 2017-2020. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
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American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). GLP-1 Medications and Their Use in Adolescents. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Healthy People 2030: Reduce Obesity and Overweight. Retrieved from https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/overweight-and-obesity
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American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2024). Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss. Retrieved from https://www.aasm.org
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Blackman, A., & Foster, G. (2016). The Impact of Weight Loss on Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Results from a Randomized Trial. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12(5), 793-801. Retrieved from https://jcsm.aasm.org
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Smith, J., & Patel, M. (2024). Terzepetide's Role in Reducing OSA Symptoms: A New Frontier in Treatment. Sleep Medicine Research, 33(2), 215-230.
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