Weight loss can significantly improve, and potentially eliminate, obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in obese people. Researchers have found that people with severe obstructive sleep apnea who lost the recommended amount of weight, were three times more likely to experience remission of sleep apnea symptoms compared to those who did not lose any weight.
Not everyone with sleep apnea is overweight, but most patients are. Losing weight gets rid of fat that blocks the windpipe. In doing so, it can not only fix your sleep trouble, but can also help with your cholesterol, knees, clothes and overall feeling of yourself. Some people have found that moderate to severe sleep apnea can be completely corrected by losing excess weight. And for others, even a small amount of weight loss can open up the throat and improve sleep apnea symptoms.
After weight loss, if you are still experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, Dr. Bonnie Foster can work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan, including oral appliance therapy. Schedule a consultation to determine the best treatment option for you. And remember, sleep apnea should never be ignored.