Open AirWaves Episode 5: From BMI to AHI: How Weight Loss Transforms OSA Care-Open AirWaves Episode 5 (Video)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this episode of Open Airwaves, Dr. Tanya DeSanto discusses weight management and its impact on obstructive sleep apnea with Tara Cooke, a certified nurse practitioner specializing in non-surgical weight loss strategies. Tara highlights her approach, which includes personalized plans comprising education, meal planning, exercise, and behavior modification, with ongoing support. Despite a clear link between obesity and sleep apnea, referrals to her clinic mainly come from general medicine rather than sleep specialists. She emphasizes the potential for collaborative care in treating these conditions. Tara outlines the four pillars of weight management: nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, and medication. She elaborates on FDA-approved weight loss medications, their mechanisms, and potential side effects, contrasting with compounded medications. Tara shares case studies of patients benefiting from the GLP-1 medication Wegovy and ZepBound, noting ZepBound's particular effectiveness for sleep apnea. She underlines the importance of communication between dental, medical professionals, and patients to manage chronic diseases, offering insights on how dentists can discuss weight with their patients tactfully. The podcast emphasizes a holistic, patient-specific approach to weight management that can complement traditional treatments for sleep apnea.

Keywords

weight management

obstructive sleep apnea

non-surgical weight loss

personalized plans

collaborative care

FDA-approved medications

GLP-1 medication

nutrition and exercise

patient-specific approach