{"id":164,"date":"2021-04-08T02:39:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-08T02:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridendentalgroup.com\/blog\/?p=164"},"modified":"2021-05-24T15:04:03","modified_gmt":"2021-05-24T15:04:03","slug":"connection-between-weight-gain-sleep-apnea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridendentalgroup.com\/blog\/connection-between-weight-gain-sleep-apnea\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain: A Vicious Cycle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Millions of people in the U.S. carry some excess weight, and millions suffer from sleep apnea. In many individuals, both problems are present. In fact, according to one estimate, roughly 70% of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are obese<\/a>. Why are weight gain and sleep apnea connected, and what can you do to manage both conditions? Continue reading to discover answers to these important questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Weight Gain Contributes to Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anyone, including athletes of any age, can develop OSA. However, obesity is one of its major risk factors. This is because too much fatty tissue around the neck puts pressure on the upper airway, which may lead to pauses in breathing throughout the night. A neck circumference of greater than 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women significantly raises the risk of OSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra fat around the abdomen has also been shown to heighten OSA risk. It can decrease lung volume and contribute to breathing problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Sleep Apnea Contributes to Weight Gain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the connection between weight gain and sleep apnea is a two-way street. Individuals with OSA may be more likely to put on some extra pounds for a couple of reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n