Sleep Apnea May Cause Weight Gain

COLUMBUS, OH – A study by Dr. Mark Brown at the University of Arizona College of Medicine showed that people suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be more likely to gain more weight over time than those people with less severe OSA.  “OSA is a disorder characterized by decreases or cessation of breathing during sleep.  Obesity is a known risk factor for the disorder; however, it is hypothesized that the effects of OSA itself may predispose patients to weight gain,” said Dr. Brown.

Studies like these attempt to answer the “which came first the chicken or the egg?” type of questions surrounding OSA.  As Dr. Brown stated, being overweight puts you at much higher risk for having obstructive sleep apnea.  But could the OSA have caused the weight gain in the first place?  Or is it a circular pattern of OSA leading to weight gain which leads to more severe OSA?  Lots of questions still surround our understanding of obstructive sleep apnea but there is undeniable proof that, left untreated, this disease can be deadly.

Many patients who have been diagnosed with OSA are not treating their disease because they cannot tolerate using the CPAP machine.  Mild to moderate sleep apnea can be treated effectively using an oral appliance that you wear while you sleep.  There are no masks or tubes to deal with making it much easier for patients to comply with the treatment.

If you or a loved one may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea please contact us by clicking on this link or in the Gahanna, Ohio area call 614-454-3488 for a consultation.