What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a respiratory disorder that occurs during sleep, causing repeated breathing interruptions. The disease consists of three main types. The most common is sleep apnea due to blockage, which occurs when the muscles in the throat area exert too much expansion during sleep, narrowing or blocking the airway. Central sleep apnea is associated with the brain not sending the correct breathing control signal. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both mechanisms.
Common symptoms include snoring, sleep apnea, wheezing, waking up multiple times during the night, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, prolonged fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.
Does sleep apnea cause weight gain?
According to Dr. Shrey Srivastava, senior internist at Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida (India), sleep apnea is closely linked to weight gain. Poor sleep disrupts hunger and satiety control hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, causing patients to crave more food. At the same time, prolonged fatigue reduces motivation for movement and exercise.
Interrupted sleep also affects metabolism, causing the body to burn energy less effectively. Over time, these factors make weight control difficult, increasing the risk of being overweight or obese.
The link between obesity and sleep apnea
Not only does sleep apnea cause weight gain, being overweight is also a factor that worsens this condition. The fat accumulated around the neck and upper respiratory tract can narrow the airways, increasing the risk of sleep congestion. Obesity also reduces lung capacity and affects respiratory control, making sleep apnea symptoms worse.
The combination of these two conditions increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and negatively affects mental health and quality of life.
Treating sleep apnea helps control weight
Dr. Srivastava says that treating sleep apnea can support weight loss. CPAP therapy helps maintain a clear airway while sleeping, improves sleep quality, reduces fatigue and contributes to stabilizing dietary control hormones. When combined with a healthy diet and proper exercise, weight loss becomes more feasible and sustainable.
Tips to maintain a healthy weight
For people with sleep apnea, experts recommend maintaining a balanced diet with a reasonable portion, limiting processed foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and complying with treatment as prescribed by the doctor. Avoiding drinking alcohol before bed, drinking enough water and monitoring sleep quality are also important factors.
The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.
