Weight Gain Sleep Apnea

Weight gain sleep apnea indicates that a cause of sleep apnea can be extra fat around the neck. Although not the only cause of sleep apnea, a heavy neck and chin can make your airway narrower, causing breathing obstructions. For some overweight people, especially those with mild sleep apnea, losing weight can be an helpful treatment, or at least an effective way to reduce the severity of the sleep apnea. Keep in mind that sleep apnea occurs in thin people tool; the airway can close during sleep for many reasons, not just surplus weight.

It's not clear which condition is responsible for the other - perhaps it swings both ways. It can be hard to lose weight with untreated sleep apnea: it might make you too tired to exercise.

Researchers have recently recognised that people suffering from severe sleep apnea may be more likely to gain more weight than those with a less severe condition over time.

Another weight and sleep apnea connection is metabolic syndrome (also known as Syndrome X). Metabolic syndrome is a group of abnormalities that cause insulin resistance. Some of these features, including high blood pressure and obesity, are linked to sleep apnea. Metabolic syndrome seems to be more common among patients with obstructive sleep apnea, perhaps regardless of weight.

Also, it can take a while before the weight loss is achieved, so given the risks associated with untreated sleep apnea, using another treatment option while losing weight is probably best.

Of course, losing weight may also improve your health in other ways, but it is always advisable to talk to a health professional before starting a weight-loss program.