Date of Award

Winter 12-1-2024

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing

Department

Wellstar School of Nursing

Committee Chair/First Advisor

Nancy Ballard

Abstract

Introduction: With the growing prevalence of OSA due to the obesity epidemic, there is an urgent need to update treatment regimens. While CPAP continues to be the gold standard of OSA care, challenges with adherence and limited access to effective weight management strategies often impede care. The complex bidirectional relationship between obesity and OSA highlights the importance of addressing weight management in this patient population to help mitigate cardiometabolic risks. Personalized weight loss therapies should be integrated into standard OSA treatment regimens to reduce OSA severity, reduce comorbid conditions, and improve quality of life.

Aim: The objective of this integrative review is to assess the benefits of weight loss therapy, in combination with standard treatment, for obese patients with OSA and to promote the integration of these weight loss therapies into standard care.

Methods: The framework by Whittemore and Knafl (2005) was utilized to ensure methodological rigor. Three health related databases were searched: PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL. A literature review spanning 2018 to 2024 was conducted to identify studies examining how weight management strategies may reduce OSA severity in obese patients, as well as their impact on associated cardiometabolic risks. Articles identified were screened for inclusion criteria. Critical appraisal of the data was done using Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt’s (2023) tools. Data and thematic analysis was completed after a thorough and detailed review of each study. Reference and citation tracking were performed using Mendeley.

Results: A total of 13 articles were included in final data analysis. Findings support the significant beneficial impact that engagement in lifestyle interventions can have on OSA severity, quality of life, and adherence to CPAP therapy. Various interventions, such as interdisciplinary lifestyle modifications, behavioral sleep medicine, TCQ training, home-based exercise programs, and resistance training, showed significant improvement in OSA severity and overall health-related quality of life. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating weight loss strategies into the management of OSA to enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve the well-being of affected individuals.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this review emphasizes the vital role of weight loss in managing OSA in obese patients. It advocates for the inclusion of lifestyle changes in OSA treatment plans, which could lead to better overall health and an improved quality of life for patients. The review also identifies critical areas for future research, such as exploring the long-term effects of weight loss on OSA severity and understanding the barriers that hinder successful weight management. By integrating weight management into standard care, healthcare providers can improve OSA treatment outcomes, support better adherence to CPAP therapy, and ultimately enhance patient health. Adopting a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to OSA management offers the potential for significant progress in treating obesity-related OSA and improving long-term health outcomes.

Keywords: weight loss, overweight, diet, sleep apnea, CPAP, sleep apnea severity, well-being, physical activity

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