Objective  

The study was designed to analyze body mass index (BMI) as one of risk factors for snoring in Chinese women.

Materials and methods  

Totally, 2,938 women (2,423 available for evaluation of menstrual status) aged over 30 years from a population-based epidemiologic study were enrolled.

Results and discussions  

For those with regular menstrual status, BMI was the main risk factor with OR 3.906 (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) and 8.467 (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), respectively, compared with those of BMI 20–25 kg/m² (p < 0.001). For postmenopausal women, BMI was also indicated as a risk factor with OR 2.041 (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) and 2.884 (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) compared with those of BMI 20–25 kg/m² (p < 0.01). As for different BMI, menopause was the only risk factor for women with BMI < 20 kg/m² (OR = 10.568, p < 0.05). Whereas for those with BMI between 20 and 25 kg/m², the risk factors included post-menopause, family history, drinking, etc.

Conclusion  

In conclusion, the prevalence of snoring was correlated with BMI independent of menstrual status, and lower BMI is a protective factor against snoring in premenopausal women.