Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Weight

What You Should Know

Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.¹

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

OSA is a common sleep disorder that causes breathing to start and stop during sleep.²

These breathing pauses can keep you from getting deep, restful sleep. Over time, this can lead to daytime fatigue and other health problems.²

Did you know? More than 8 out of 10 people with moderate-to-severe OSA don’t know they have it.³

Have Questions About OSA?

These one-page posters are designed to give you at-a-glance information you can download, print, or share with coworkers and family members.

What are common signs of moderate-to-severe OSA?

Can undiagnosed OSA impact your health and safety?

What Happens When People Struggling With Their Weight And Sleep Decide To Take Action?

Meet Ed.

Ed felt tired all the time. He didn’t realize sleep apnea might be the cause. Hear how his weight and sleep impacted his work and family life.

Meet Brandi.

Brandi learned the signs and got tested. Listen to her story about how a diagnosis helped her feel better and live better.

Meet Elvin and Alejandro.

Elvin & Alejandro thought their constant fatigue was just part of everyday life. Hear how getting tested for sleep apnea helped them regain their energy and feel like themselves again.

What Are the Signs of Moderate-to-Severe OSA?

OSA can look different from person to person, but there are some common signs to watch for.

Snoring^2,4,5

Daytime sleepiness^2,4-6

Feeling worn out or low energy⁶

Breathing pauses, choking, or gasping during sleep^2,4,5

Feeling down or depressed^2,4,7

Morning headaches^2,4,5

Waking up feeling tired^2,4

Brain fog or trouble focusing^2,4,7

Can OSA Impact Heart Health?

Untreated OSA can impact your heart health.⁸

higher risk of heart failure

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higher risk of stroke

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higher risk of coronary heart disease

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Learn More With the Obesity and OSA Toolkit

The toolkit includes:

Detailed information on OSA and how it’s diagnosed
Workplace and safety considerations
Tools to talk to your doctor and practical tips
Advocacy questions and next steps

Looking For More Information?

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners (ASAP)

Project Sleep

References: 1. Quan SF, et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2008;4(3):210-211. 2. Chang JL, et al. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2023;13(7):1061-1482. 3. Faria A, et al. Sleep Sci. 2021;14(3):257-265. 4. www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/obstructive-sleepapnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090 (Accessed April 8, 2026). 5. Meyer EJ, Wittert GA. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2024;109(3):e1267-e1279. 6. Stepnowsky C, et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2019;15(2):235-243. 7. Kerner NA, Roose SP. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2016;24(6):496-508. 8. Jean-Louis G, et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2008;4(3):261-272.

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.