What condition significantly increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and related complications?

Obesity is the condition that significantly increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and related complications. Excess body weight, especially in the area surrounding the neck, can lead to increased pressure on the airway during sleep, resulting in repeated episodes of airway obstruction. This is because fat deposits in the upper airway can narrow the throat, making it more susceptible to collapse during sleep.

Additionally, obesity is often associated with other health issues such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes, which can complicate the health profile of individuals with OSA. The relationship between obesity and OSA is well-documented in research, showing that weight loss can lead to improvements in sleep apnea severity and overall health outcomes.

While aging, smoking, and stress can contribute to the risk of developing OSA, they do not have as strong or direct an influence as obesity in terms of the mechanical and physiological changes that lead to the condition. Aging can result in changes to muscle tone and respiratory function, smoking can lead to airway inflammation, and stress may impact sleep quality, but none of these factors aligns as closely with the direct anatomical changes caused by obesity.