Obesity & Sleep Apnea
Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. As
defined by the US National Institutes of Health, a person
with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 is considered
overweight and those with higher BMIs are considered
obese.
Approximately two thirds of the US population is at
least overweight, and half these individuals are obese.
Obesity is also the greatest risk factor for obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA). While approximately 2% to 4% of the
population is estimated to have OSA, the prevalence
increases to 20% to 40% in the obese population.
The main
symptoms of OSA (excessive daytime sleepiness [EDS]
and fatigue) are known to contribute to overeating and
being sedentary. Tiredness can cause people to eat for
stimulation. These habits, over time, can result in obesity,
which worsens sleep apnea, leading to a progression in
severity for both conditions.
Body Mass Index Chart
Using the chart below you can find your current BMI using
your height and weight:
Click here for Larger Version (PDF) |
