The primary objective of this study is to observe if Sibutramine is effective in improving the symptoms and signs of sleep apnea in obese patients. The secondary objectives are to document the effects of Sibutramine on heart rate variability and 24-h arterial pressure values. We hypothesized that sibutramine will improve sleep disordered breathing, cardiac autonomic function and systemic blood pressure in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Eligible participants with non-treated OSA syndrome were aged between 18 to 65 years, with a body-mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥ 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors such as controlled systemic hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and/or visceral obesity (as defined by a waist circumference ≥ 102 cm in men and ≥ 88 cm in women).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Exclusion criteria were uncontrolled systemic hypertension defined as blood pressure > 145/90 mm Hg, previous pharmacological or surgical treatment for weight loss, had already used CPAP or had severe diurnal hyper somnolence requiring immediate treatment.