Fast facts sleep apnea and obesity

Fast Facts: Sleep Apnea and Obesity

• About 54 million adults aged 30-70 have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). About 93 million are affected by obesity. The U.S. has seen an increase in both obesity and OSA rates since 1994.

• Obesity and OSA can form a vicious cycle: OSA contributes to weight gain, and excess weight makes OSA worse.

• Obesity and OSA can be life-threatening for some people.

• Untreated sleep apnea and obesity can increase risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular conditions.

• Sleep apnea raises obesity risk by driving hunger, reducing energy, and causing insulin resistance.

• The chance of developing OSA is six times higher with a 10% weight gain.

• Fat accumulation around the neck and abdomen is the strongest risk factor for OSA for both men and women. Excess fat around the neck can narrow and compress the upper airway, making breathing more difficult.

• An increase in BMI can increase OSA severity as measured by apnea hypopnea index.

• The strong connection between obesity and sleep apnea contributed to the FDA’s approval of tirzepatide (Zepbound®) as a treatment for adult sleep apnea patients with obesity.

• OSA is less common in obese women compared to men, even though obesity is more common in women. An increase in waist-to-hip ratio raises OSA risk in women.

• OSA rates tend to be higher in the African American, Hispanic, and Native American communities due to higher rates of obesity.

• In the U.S., about 69% of individuals with obesity have some form of OSA—and about 32% have moderate to severe OSA.