Association Between Weight Loss and Changes in Optimal Positive Airway Pressure Levels in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background and Objective The relationship between weight loss and changes in optimal positive airway pressure (PAP) levels remains unclear. This study was designed to explore the association between weight loss and alterations in optimal PAP levels required to effectively manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Methods Adult patients with OSA, who had undergone PAP therapy and achieved a significant weight loss of at least 5 kg, were included in the study. Data were retrospectively collected from their medical records, which included clinical information, findings from physical examinations, polysomnography results, and PAP usage data.Results Out of the initial cohort, 20 OSA patients (male:female=18:2), with an average age of 42.2±9.3 years and a body mass index of 34.2±5.1 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, were included in this analysis. Patients experiencing significant weight loss, from 100.6±15.6 to 86.5±12.9 kg (p<0.001), observed a considerable reduction in their optimal PAP levels from 12.0±1.6 to 9.9±1.2 cm H<sub>2</sub>O (p<0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.428 with a p-value of 0.0596, where the regression equation was y (cm H<sub>2</sub>O)=0.820+0.093x (kg).Conclusions This study confirms that significant weight loss in OSA patients may reduce the required optimal PAP level for effective treatment. While this study has advanced our understanding of the impact of weight loss on OSA treatment, further research is needed to solidify these findings.