Michelle Sands, RDH & Sleep Director at Silent Night Therapy, stated that while obesity "can increase" the risk of sleep apnea, it is important to know that the condition is "not exclusively linked to weight."

"Our focus on the whole patient extends beyond dental concerns. Before initiating any treatment, we carefully review the patient's medical history, which includes screening for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which can indicate a potential airway disorder," said Sands. "While obesity, particularly with a larger neck size, can increase the risk of sleep apnea, the condition is not exclusively linked to weight. It's crucial to recognize that sleep apnea can affect individuals across various body types and sizes”. It's essential to recognize that sleep apnea can affect individuals regardless of their weight”."

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Excess weight can cause fatty deposits around the upper airway, leading to obstruction during sleep. "While obesity, particularly with a larger neck size, can increase the risk of sleep apnea, the condition is not exclusively linked to weight," said Sands.

Sleep Care Online explains how a slender, healthy person can still suffer from sleep apnea. That’s why it is important to look for the symptoms. "It's essential to recognize that sleep apnea can affect individuals regardless of their weight. Even individuals with petite or thin bone structures can experience severe sleep apnea due to their anatomical characteristics, such as the size of their airway," said Sands.

According to the Sleep Foundation, weight loss of just 10-15% can reduce the severity of OSA by 50% in moderately obese patients. While weight loss can provide meaningful improvements in OSA, it usually does not lead to a complete cure, and many sleep apnea patients need additional therapies. "While weight gain can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms, weight loss may help alleviate them to some extent. However, it's crucial to understand that sleep apnea is often a lifelong condition, and weight management is just one aspect of its treatment," said Sands.

Sands explained that patients should be cautious about assuming that weight loss alone will resolve their sleep apnea entirely. Even significant weight loss may only improve the severity of the condition rather than fully eliminating it. "Therefore, it's crucial for patients, especially those with severe sleep apnea, to undergo regular sleep tests to monitor their condition's progression and ensure that any improvements are accurately assessed," she said.

According to the Silent Night Therapy website, Sands has over 25 years of career experience and now her practice is "shifting towards a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach," with more personalized treatment plans.