Sleep apnea and weight gain are closely connected, but not in a simple cause-and-effect way. Understanding how these two influence each other can help people take meaningful steps toward better health.

In this article, we’ll explore how sleep apnea can make weight gain more likely and how gaining weight can lead to an increased risk of sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person’s breathing stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when the upper airway is blocked or narrowed during sleep. This can cause symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping for air, and trouble staying asleep, which can make you tired the next day due to poor sleep quality.

“I am waiting for my doctor’s appointment to address my sleep apnea issues,” one MyObesityTeam member said. “I am not sleeping well and feel exhausted.” Another member replied, “I’m tired and exhausted, all because of my sleep apnea. I would love to sleep a straight six hours if possible.”

Does Weight Gain Cause Sleep Apnea?

The simple answer is yes, gaining weight can increase the risk of sleep apnea. This is because excess fat near the neck and throat can press on the airway and make it harder to breathe during sleep. Excess weight in the chest and belly can also make it harder for the lungs to expand, which can affect breathing muscles and reduce airflow. People with obesity may be at higher risk of developing sleep apnea.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, for every 10 percent increase in body weight, the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea goes up by six times.

Does Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?

Yes, the relationship goes both ways, and sleep apnea can also lead to weight gain.

Why does sleep apnea cause weight gain? Because when sleep is disrupted, it affects the body’s hormones and energy levels. Here are a few ways sleep apnea can affect the body.

Hormonal Changes

Two important hormones, called leptin and ghrelin, help control appetite. Leptin tells your brain when you’re full, decreasing your appetite. Ghrelin signals to your brain when you’re hungry, increasing your appetite.

When you’re sleeping, your body typically produces more leptin. However, if you have frequent sleep disturbances and are not getting enough sleep, your body can’t make leptin. These lower levels of leptin make it harder for your body to feel full, which can result in intense cravings, feelings of hunger, and overeating.

Increase Cortisol Levels

Sleep apnea and shorter sleep duration can also raise cortisol, a hormone your body makes that plays a crucial role in managing stress. High cortisol levels can increase food intake and encourage the body to store fat, two risk factors that can contribute to weight gain.

Daytime Sleepiness

Because sleep apnea interrupts deep sleep, people often feel tired during the day. You may have trouble focusing on tasks and notice changes in mood or behavior. Feeling fatigued during the day can also make you feel less motivated for physical activity or make exercising harder than usual.

Physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy weight because when you’re active, your body burns more calories for energy. Exercising can also reduce the risk of developing other health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Can Treating Sleep Apnea Help With Weight Loss?

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. It involves wearing a CPAP mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep to keep your airway passages open, preventing snoring and sleep apnea.

Treating sleep apnea doesn’t automatically lead to weight loss. In fact, sleep apnea treatment has mixed outcomes when it comes to weight. One group of researchers found that treating sleep apnea with a CPAP machine, in addition to dietary changes, can lead to increased weight loss. However, other studies with larger numbers of participants found that CPAP therapy may result in weight gain.

In general, treating sleep apnea can improve energy levels and the quality of sleep, which can ultimately lead to a better foundation for health changes. When people sleep better, they often feel more energized and motivated to move their bodies. They may also have fewer cravings and better control over their appetite.

Combining sleep apnea treatment options with a comprehensive lifestyle plan that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavioral support is the most effective method to improve quality of life.

Signs To Watch For

If you or someone you know is gaining weight and also experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, like loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or feeling tired all day, it might be time to get checked for a sleep disorder. Treating sleep apnea can improve sleep, energy, and overall health, and it may make it easier to manage your weight.

Everyone’s experiences are different, and it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider, especially if sleep apnea symptoms continue or weight loss feels unusually difficult. A doctor can help check for other health issues and offer personalized advice.

Moving Forward

So, does obstructive sleep apnea cause weight gain? The answer is that the two are linked, but it’s part of a bigger picture. Sleep apnea and weight gain are linked in a complex relationship. Sleep problems can affect hormones, metabolism, and energy levels, all of which make weight management harder. At the same time, carrying extra weight can make sleep apnea worse.

The good news is that treating sleep apnea and making healthy lifestyle changes can help break the cycle. Building healthy habits can support better sleep, better overall health, and a better quality of life.

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