Overweight people and sleep apnea

by Paul Jr.
(USA)

This may create an uproar, but I believe that much of the increase has to do with a heavier America. I am one of those people.

About 3 years ago, while on a CPAP, I underwent a hospital weight loss program. I went from 287 to 178 pounds. While at the low end I took it upon my self to experiment with my CPAP. I stopped using it. I was not aware of any episodes and my wife told me that I no longer snored.

Foolhardy? Maybe. I had intended to ask my PCP to schedule a sleep study for me. At any rate I am now totally depressed, using my CPAP and back up to 270. I really believe that a good part of the national increase of the CPAP being prescribed is due to being overweight. Not to say that everyone that is in need of a CPAP is over weight, or that everyone that is over weight needs a CPAP.

I am totally speaking from my experience.

I hope it helps. Don't be afraid to comment back.

Remy Thierry
Founder of Sleep Apnea Guide

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Mar 02, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hmmmm
by: Shylakay

I don't know facts, but I feel like it could have something to do with the fact that severe sleep apnea never allows the person to achieve REM state where the body can begin the process of healing and mending the body that happens during this time. The next day the person is more tired than usual and with less energy it is easier to sit down to rest and just eat.

I also think a pituitary gland malfunction happens with sleep apnea..which would not only regulate telling your body to BREATH...but perhaps to eat as well

a sedentary life style and over eating would put the weight on fast.

Not sure tho' .. just my opinions.
Aug 27, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		What came first....
by: Dina B

I started CPAP back in February. I'm overweight. I was heavier than you when I went in for my consultation.

Since then I have lost 20 pounds without really trying. Just getting better sleep. So did I get overweight because of the sleep apnea or did the overweight issue cause the sleep apnea? In my opinion, probably a little bit of both. I just know that I feel better. Was it a magic pill? No.

It has taken several masks, numerous changes of pillow setups, a chin strap, and a foray into mouth taping to get it all right.

The taping didn't work. The weight I feel is big part of the problem but it is easier to deal with once you start sleeping better.

On the flip side. I have a brother in law who is not overweight who had severe sleep apnea. So it's not all weight related. He was in fact in the Marines and you know those guys have to be fit.

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