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

In this article, we’ll explore how sleep apnea can make weight gain more likely. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about sleep apnea, especially if you think you have signs of the condition.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which 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. 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’m tired and exhausted, all because of my sleep apnea. I would love to sleep a straight six hours if possible.”

— A MyObesityTeam member

“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 Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?

The relationship goes both ways: Excess weight may contribute to sleep apnea, and sleep apnea can cause weight gain. 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 Related to Appetite

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.

Ghrelin can also increase cravings, which are intense and difficult-to-ignore desires for specific foods that are usually sweet, salty, or rich. Giving in to cravings can make it easier to overeat, which can affect blood sugar and hormones such as insulin, ghrelin, and cortisol.

When you sleep, your body typically produces more leptin. However, if you have frequent sleep disturbances and are not getting enough sleep, your body doesn’t make as much leptin. These lower levels of leptin, combined with increased ghrelin from sleep deprivation, make it harder for your body to feel full. This can result in intense cravings, feelings of hunger, and overeating.

Increased Cortisol Levels

Sleep apnea and shorter sleep duration may raise levels of cortisol, a hormone your body makes that plays a crucial role in managing stress. High cortisol levels can cause you to eat more and encourage the body to store fat — two risk factors that may contribute to weight gain.

Sleep apnea increases your risk for insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Insulin Resistance

Sleep apnea increases your risk for insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a hormone from the pancreas that regulates your blood sugar levels. When your body doesn’t use insulin properly, sugar builds up in your blood.

Insulin resistance doesn’t directly cause weight gain, but it’s closely related to excess body fat. Gaining weight tends to worsen insulin resistance.

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 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 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. Generally, weight changes associated with CPAP therapy are small and may favor weight gain.

Better sleep quality may lead to fewer cravings and better appetite management.

In late 2024, the FDA approved the first medication specifically for moderate to severe OSA in adults living with obesity. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 agonist) meant to be taken alongside exercise and a reduced-calorie diet.

In general, treating sleep apnea (with CPAP or otherwise) can improve your 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.

Sleep Apnea 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

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.

Join the Conversation

On MyObesityTeam, people share their experiences with obesity, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What did you learn about the relationship between sleep apnea and weight? Let others know in the comments below.