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Effects of dietary weight loss on obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis

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Abstract

Purpose

Clinical and epidemiologic investigations suggest a strong association between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the currently available literature reporting on the effectiveness of dietary weight loss in treating OSA among obese patients.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified by computerized searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through September 2011 as well as the reference lists of all obtained articles. Information on study design, patient characteristics, pre- and post-dietary weight loss measures of OSA and body mass index (BMI), and study quality was obtained. Data were extracted by two independent analysts. Weighted averages using a random-effects model are reported with 95 % confidence intervals.

Results

Nine articles representing 577 patients were selected. Dietary weight loss program resulted in a pooled mean BMI reduction of 4.8 kg/m2 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 3.8-5.9). The random-effects pooled apnea hypopnea (AHI) indices at pre- and post-dietary intervention were 52.5 (range 10.0–91.0) and 28.3 events/h (range 5.4–64.5), respectively (p < 0.001). Compared to control, the weighted mean difference of AHI was decreased by −14.3 events/h (95 % CI −23.5 to −5.1; p = 0.002) in favor of the dietary weight loss programs.

Conclusions

Dietary weight loss programs are effective in reducing the severity of OSA but not adequate in relieving all respiratory events. Weight reduction programs should be considered as adjunct rather than curative therapy.

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Funding support

This work was supported in part by VA Merit Review Award HSR&D 10-087-1 (AES). The opinions of the authors herein are their private views and are not to be construed as reflecting the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Thomas Kufel, Jahan Porhomayon & Ali A. El-Solh

  2. Western New York Respiratory Research Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and School of Public Health and Health Professions, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Anil Anandam, Morohunfolu Akinnusi, Thomas Kufel, Jahan Porhomayon & Ali A. El-Solh

  3. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and School of Public Health and Health Professions, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Ali A. El-Solh

  4. Medical Research, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Bldg. 20 (151) VISN02, 3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14215-1199, USA

    Ali A. El-Solh

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  1. Anil Anandam
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  2. Morohunfolu Akinnusi
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Correspondence to Ali A. El-Solh.

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Anandam, A., Akinnusi, M., Kufel, T. et al. Effects of dietary weight loss on obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis. Sleep Breath 17, 227–234 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-012-0677-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-012-0677-3

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