What is one major risk factor for developing obstructive sleep apnea?

Obesity is a major risk factor for developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because excess body weight, particularly around the neck, can lead to increased fat deposits which can obstruct the airway during sleep. This obstruction can lead to apneas, hypopneas, and other symptoms of sleep disordered breathing.

Individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to experience these airway blockages due to the physical pressure on the throat. This connection between obesity and OSA is supported by numerous studies that demonstrate weight loss can significantly improve or even resolve symptoms of sleep apnea in many patients.

While other factors like hypertension, age, and smoking can contribute to the risk of OSA, obesity has a particularly strong and direct link to the condition due to the anatomical changes it causes in the upper airway.