Effect of Weight Loss on Upper Airway Anatomy and the Apnea Hypopnea Index: The Importance of Tongue Fat
Prior literature shows a clear link between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Furthermore, changes in weight have been associated with proportional changes in OSA severity. The study by Wang et al. published in the March 15, 2020 edition of the AJRCCM demonstrated that the effect of weight loss on AHI was mediated specifically through a decrease in tongue fat.
The study included 67 adults with obesity and AHI ≥10. Participants underwent MRI and polysomnography. Repeat studies were obtained after a 6-month period of either lifestyle modification or bariatric surgery. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in AHI among those with ≥2.5% loss in body weight. This association was mediated through a decrease in tongue fat volumes as measured by MRI. Pearson correlation demonstrated a partial rho 0.62 (p < 0.0001) for the relationship between tongue fat and AHI. This association remained statistically significant even after controlling for changes in weight.
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(Post by: Oren Cohen)
