Procedural sedation and obesity: waters left uncharted
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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
1Section of Therapeutic Endoscopy, Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Institute, and Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
Background:
Moderate sedation during endoscopy may pose increased risks among obese patients.
Objective:
To review the literature that considers aspects of sedation within the obese population and to identify gaps in our knowledge.
Design:
Literature-based review.
Results:
There may be increased risks among obese patients undergoing moderate sedation. In particular, the presence of obstructive sleep apnea may identify a subset of patients at higher risk for complications.
Limitations:
English language literature only.
Conclusions:
Although obesity may be associated with increased risks of procedural sedation, future studies should better clarify such risks to better inform clinical decision making.
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