Abstract P241: Snoring is Associated With Obesity Among Middle Aged Slum-Dwelling Women in Mysore India

Background: Globally, rates of obesity have trebled in the past four decades. India has more than 9.8 million men and 20 million women classified as obese. While poor diet and sedentary lifestyles are major causes, growing evidence suggests other factors like sleep-disordered-breathing may also be contributors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out between October 2017 and May 2018 among a nonprobability sample of slum-dwelling women, 40 to 64 years of age, in government-designated slums in Mysore, India. In addition to socio-demographics, data were collected on tobacco and alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, sleep, quality of life, and personal and family history of diagnosed cardiometabolic disorders. Body mass Index (BMI) was calculated using anthropometry. Serum was tested for HbA1c and lipids. Electrocardiography was carried out by a trained medical technician. Results: In this sample of slum dwelling women, snoring was associated with obesity. Habitual snorers had more than double the odds (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 2.05; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]1.26-3.33; p<0.004) of obesity I, and seven times the odds (aOR 7.71; CI: 3.58-16.62; p<0.001) of having obesity II compared to non-snorers after adjustment for age, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and daytime sleepiness. There was no difference in obesity status among participants reporting abnormal sleep duration, napping, daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea, insomnia, or use of sleep medication. Conclusion: The relationship of snoring and obesity has not been well explored. This study among slum-dwelling Indian women, found a significant relationship between snoring and obesity. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms connecting snoring to BMI.