Diet improves sleep apnea

The aim of the study was to assess the long-term efficacy of a lifestyle intervention based on a healthy diet and physical activity in a randomized, controlled, 2-y post intervention follow-up in obese adult patients. The intervention group completed a 1-y lifestyle modification regimen that included an early 12-wk weight-reduction program with a very-low-calorie diet. The control group received routine dietary counseling. During the second year, no dietary counseling was offered. Change in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was the main objective outcome variable, and changes in symptoms were used as a subjective measurement.

The mean changes in diet and lifestyle with simultaneous weight reduction in the intervention group reflected sustained improvements in findings and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). After 2 y, the reduction in the AHI was significantly greater in the intervention group (P = 0.049).

Favorable changes achieved by a 1-y lifestyle intervention aimed at weight reduction with a healthy diet and physical activity were sustained in overweight patients with mild OSA after the termination of supervised dietary counseling.

American Journal Clinical Nutrition