11 Sep Sleep Apnea May Be Improved By Moderate Calorie Restriction

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Marcia Klein M.D., Ph.D.
Adjunctive professor Rio de Janeiro State University
This study was conducted at the Discipline of Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology – Rio de Janeiro State University and the financial support of FAPERJ.

Medical Research: What was the main findings of the study?

Dr. Klein: The main findings were that a diet with moderate calories restriction in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea may be able not only to reduce body fat but also to reduce obstructive sleep apnea severity and blood pressure.

Medical Research: Were any findings unexpected?

Dr. Klein: The new and unexpected finding was that a moderate calories restriction was able to reduce sleep apnea severity, because the previous studies that evaluated the effect of weight loss on obstructive sleep apnea used severe calorie restriction or the association of diet with physical activity or bariatric surgery.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Klein: Moderate energy restriction besides improving several cardiovascular  risk factors may improve sleep apnea.  There is no need to make severe energy restriction, that is difficult to follow during a long period of time, to improve sleep apnea.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future studies on this topic?

Dr. Klein: Greater number of participants followed during a longer period of time.

Citation:

Restricting calories may improve sleep apnea, blood pressure in obese people

American Heart Association Meeting Report Abstract 461

Last Updated on September 11, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD