The Relationship Between Obesity and Childhood Sleep Apnea: An Umbrella Review of the Evidence

• Grant number: 25/04678-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Almiro José Machado Júnior
• Grantee: Érica do Prado Mantovani
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Childhood obesity and sleep apnea (SA) are interrelated conditions with serious repercussions for children's development. Obesity has been identified as a significant risk factor for the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children, being associated with changes in the anatomy of the upper airways. Sleep apnea, in turn, has negative impacts on children's growth, cognitive development and behavior. Although there are studies investigating the relationship between these conditions, the literature still lacks a comprehensive analysis that integrates the available evidence. This study aims to conduct an umbrella review to synthesize the scientific evidence on the association between obesity and childhood sleep apnea, evaluating risk factors, implications for treatment and therapeutic interventions. This research will be conducted through an umbrella review, which aims to integrate results from systematic reviews and meta-analyses published on the relationship between obesity and childhood sleep apnea.