Ketogenic Diet for Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a condition that occurs in small percentage of obese people that causes high carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels in the blood. OHS is associated with respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, and death. The cause of OHS is unclear. Since not all obese people develop OHS, it is believed that hormone imbalances can contribute to the breathing problem. Some diets can change the body's hormones. For example, low-carbohydrate, high fat "ketogenic" diets (KD) may decrease insulin and glucose levels and increase sensitivity to other hormones. The investigators hypothesize that a KD will improve breathing in OHS patients, even in the absence of weight loss.

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a condition that occurs in small percentage of obese people, that leads to high carbon dioxide levels and low oxygen levels in the blood. OHS is associated with respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, hospital admissions, and death. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for OHS besides massive weight loss which often requires bariatric surgery. In this study, the investigators are examining whether switching from a regular diet to a ketogenic diet will improve breathing, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in OHS patients. After a few days-weeks on KD, hormone changes are known to occur and the investigators are examining whether these hormonal changes could stimulate breathing. This is a pilot study to examine the effects of a 12 day KD on OHS. The outcomes of the study include blood oxygen, carbon dioxide levels, plasma levels of hormones such as insulin, leptin, sleep studies, body composition a, weight, and metabolic rate.