How Sleep Apnea Affects Weight

It is estimated that 70% of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are overweight or obese, and there is a reciprocal relationship between the two conditions: sleep apnea can make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight, and sleep apnea can cause breathing to stop and start intermittently during sleep. By understanding how sleep apnea affects weight, people can better manage their health and lessen the severity of their symptoms.

The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain

The physical alterations that excess weight brings about in the throat and neck are one of the primary explanations of the close relationship between weight and sleep apnea. Carrying excess weight, particularly around the neck, can constrict an individual’s airway by applying pressure. This elevated pressure during sleep frequently results in partial or complete airway blockage, which in turn causes the breathing disruptions that are a hallmark of sleep apnea. Because it is more difficult for air to circulate easily in people with bigger neck circumferences, this is particularly true.

There is a hormonal connection between sleep apnea and weight gain in addition to airway problems. A cycle that encourages weight gain is created when sleep apnea throws off the balance of important hormones that control hunger and metabolism. Leptin and ghrelin are two important hormones that are affected by sleep apnea. Whereas ghrelin increases appetite, leptin tells the brain when we are satisfied. Research indicates that individuals with sleep apnea typically have greater ghrelin and lower leptin levels, which increases hunger and causes overeating, especially of foods high in calories.

The Vicious Cycle of Fatigue and Weight Gain

The inability to get deep, restorative sleep when apnea episodes keep waking a person up makes it difficult for them to get regular physical activity, and the daily fatigue and lack of motivation experienced by those who have sleep apnea can limit their ability to exercise, which over time contributes to weight gain. As a result, it can be difficult to break the cycle of sleep apnea without help.

Furthermore, as the body looks for immediate energy sources, the weariness brought on by sleep apnea can intensify desires for meals heavy in fat and sugar. Even with calorie restriction, this eating behavior can lead to weight gain and make weight loss challenging. Maintaining a healthy weight and controlling the symptoms of sleep apnea are made more difficult by the combination of poor dietary choices and decreased physical activity.

How Treating Sleep Apnea Can Aid Weight Loss

When sleep apnea is treated, weight loss attempts may benefit. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is one of the most popular therapies because it helps maintain an open airway while you sleep. Improved energy levels and a greater desire to exercise are common outcomes of higher-quality sleep, which is important for managing weight.
Lifestyle modifications like consistent exercise and a healthy diet can help reduce weight and relieve sleep apnea symptoms in addition to CPAP therapy. A positive cycle can be created by losing weight, which can lessen the severity of sleep apnea. According to studies, even a small weight loss of 10% to 15% can have a major impact on how severe sleep apnea symptoms are, providing people with a route to better health.

Conclusion

Although the relationship between weight and sleep apnea is complicated, it is treatable with the correct strategy. Weight loss and improved general health can result from treating sleep apnea with medication, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. In addition to improving sleep, weight management can lower the risk of consequences such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other weight-related problems for individuals with sleep apnea.