Role of Weight Management in the Treatment of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Last Updated: December 15, 2022

Treatment

The ATS recommends participation in a comprehensive lifestyle intervention program that includes a reduced-calorie diet, exercise/increased physical activity, and behavioral counseling rather than no program. (S, VL)
620
The ATS suggests participation in a comprehensive lifestyle intervention program that includes a reduced-calorie diet, exercise/increased physical activity, and behavioral counseling rather than a program that includes only a reduced-calorie diet, with or without exercise/increased physical activity. (C, VL)
620
The ATS suggests participation in a reduced-calorie diet (with or without exercise/increased physical activity) rather than no diet. (C, VL)
620
The ATS suggests exercise/increased physical activity rather than no exercise or increased physical activity. (C, VL)
620
For patients with OSA with a BMI2 ≥27 kg/m, whose weight has not improved despite participating in a comprehensive weight loss lifestyle program, and who have no contraindications including no active cardiovascular disease, the ATS suggests an evaluation for antiobesity pharmacotherapy. (C, VL)
620
For patients with OSA with a BMI2 ≥35 kg/m, whose weight has not improved despite participating in a comprehensive weight-loss lifestyle intervention program, and who have no contraindications, the ATS suggests referral for bariatric surgery evaluation. (C, VL)
620

Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Role of Weight Management in the Treatment of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Authoring Organization

American Thoracic Society

Publication Month/Year

October 2, 2018

Last Updated Month/Year

November 22, 2024

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

Overweight/obesity is a common, reversible risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea severity (OSA). The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of overweight/obesity in patients with OSA.

Target Patient Population

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea severity (OSA)

PICO Questions

  1. Should a Reduced-Calorie Diet Be Recommended (Rather Than No Diet) to Patients with OSA Who Are Overweight or Obese?

  2. Should Exercise/Increased Physical Activity Be Recommended (Rather Than No Exercise) to Patients with OSA Who Are Overweight or Obese?

  3. Should Both a Reduced-Calorie Diet and Exercise/Increased Physical Activity Be Recommended (Rather Than a Reduced-Calorie Diet Alone) to Patients with OSA Who Are Overweight or Obese?

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adult, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Treatment, Management

Keywords

obesity, bariatric surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, overweight, OSA

Source Citation

Hudgel DW et al. The Role of Weight Management in the Treatment of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018;198(6):e70–e87.

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Data Supplement