Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is frequently reported in obese patients. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a respiratory disorder closely associated with morbid obesity, in which breathing is made more difficult by excessive body fat around the neck or on the chest. This excess body fat constricts the airway and sometimes the lungs, causing short interruptions in breathing during the night.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterised by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse and obstruction during sleep. These episodes of obstruction are associated with recurrent oxyhaemoglobin desaturations and arousals from sleep. OSA associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is commonly called obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).
Patients with sleep apnoea may experience sudden daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating and, on rare occasions, heart failure. The health consequences of sleep apnea can be life-threatening, especially among patients suffering from morbid or malignant obesity. Obesity, particularly abdominal and upper body obesity, is the most significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. The prevalence of sleep apnea among patients with morbid obesity is 12-30 times higher compared to the general population. Surveys show that more than two thirds of patients with obstructive sleep apnea are obese.
Clinical tests demonstrate that weight reduction leads to a significant improvement in symptoms of sleep apnoea. For example, in one 3-month clinical trial (1998), a group of obese patients were put on a 500-800 calorie diet, losing about 22 pounds each. Using the Valsalva test, the deep-breathing test and assessment of heart rate variability at rest, as well as sleep studies, the oxygen desaturation index (ODI4) and autonomic function tests, patients exhibited significantly lower blood pressure, and a 50 percent increase in baroreflex sensitivity.
A VLCD is recognised by many studies as being the quickest and most effective way to reduce your BMI, without becoming nutrient deficient or compromising your health.