Influence of Exercise, Weight Loss, and Exercise Plus Weight Loss on Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent among Veterans, and is associated with significant mortality and multiple morbidities. Available treatments have had limited effectiveness in treating OSA and alleviating associated morbidity. The investigators\' previous research found a reduction in OSA severity of approximately 25% following modest exercise training. That this effect occurred independent of weight loss raises the exciting possibility that exercise combined with weight loss could reduce OSA by at least 50% and have unique health benefits for OSA patients. Following screening and baseline assessments, 90 overweight Veterans ages 18-60 years with OSA will be randomized to one of three 16-week treatments: (1) exercise training; (2) 10 % weight loss; and 3) exercise + weight loss. Changes in OSA and related morbidity will be compared between treatments.