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# Weight loss helps obstructive sleep apnea
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/weight_loss_helps_obstructive_sleep_apnea_0908141255/
- Published: 2014-09-08T13:55:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T14:24:09.000Z
- Description: A Monash University review concluded that weight loss achieved through lifestyle intervention relieves mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. An earlier study found diabetics who lost about 24 pounds in a year were three times likelier to nearly eliminate their apnea episodes.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Lifestyle, Health News, #vivvo-import

Z.E. Davidson at Monash University in Melbourne, Vic, Australia and colleagues conducted a [review](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25192671?ref=foodconsumer.org) and found weight loss achieved by following an lifestyle intervention is effective in relieving mild to moderate [obstructive sleep apnoea](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obstructive%5Fsleep%5Fapnea?ref=foodconsumer.org) (OSA).

Sleep apnea is common among the overweight and obese. A [study ](https://www.foodconsumer.org/weight%5Floss%5Fhelps%5Fsleep%5Fapnea%5F290920090556/)in the Sept. 28, 2009 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine finds weight loss improves sleep apnea in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to a higher risk of peridontitis, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease and a poor quality of life. More than 12 million Americans are believed to be suffering sleep apnea.

The study shows that diabetics who lost about 24 pounds of weight in a year were three times more likely to nearly eliminate the number of sleep apnea episodes compared to those who did not lose weight. (David Liu, PHD)

Mitchell LJ, Davidson ZE, Bonham M, O'Driscoll DM, Hamilton GS, Truby H. Weight loss from lifestyle interventions and severity of sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med. 2014 Jun 25.