Body mass index (BMI) is one of the main indicators that physicians use to evaluate a patient’s health and determine their risk for certain conditions. Overweight and obese individuals are more likely to suffer from a range of illnesses. If you are looking to shed some extra pounds, however, you might say that losing weight is easier said than done — and you’re absolutely right. It might be especially difficult if you are suffering from sleep apnea. In this article, we’ll discuss how sleep apnea might sabotage your weight loss and how treatment can help you finally reach your goals.
Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain
There are a few reasons why sleep apnea can contribute to weight gain:
- It affects hormone levels. There are two hormones that control hunger: Leptin, which decreases appetite, and ghrelin, which increases appetite. When you are not getting enough high-quality rest, you are likely to have lower levels of leptin and higher levels of ghrelin, which means you may be prone to overindulging at mealtimes.
- It makes exercise more difficult. When you are fatigued from a lack of rest, the last thing you may want to do is exercise. A sedentary lifestyle leads to lower muscle mass and a slower metabolism.
Even more troubling is the fact that sleep apnea creates a vicious cycle. As it causes you to gain weight, your neck circumference may increase. The larger your neck size, the worse your sleep apnea may become.
How Treatment Can Help
Sleep apnea treatment in Leesburg may play a key role in helping you lose weight. In fact, after just a few days of getting an adequate amount of restful sleep, your ghrelin levels could significantly decrease (according to research published in the European Respiratory Journal). You may also find that you have the energy to exercise more.
Of course, sleep apnea treatment does not guarantee that you will lose weight in Leesburg. If you have suffered from sleep apnea for a long time, it may have ingrained certain habits in you, like a tendency to consume high-calorie foods or to avoid strenuous exercise. Hence, you may still have a challenging journey ahead of you — but it will be easier when you are well-rested. If you lose enough weight, it is even possible that your sleep apnea will go away on its own and you will no longer need treatment for it.
Are you struggling to control your weight? Sleep apnea may be to blame. Seeking treatment could be the key to living a healthier, lighter life.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham is a dentist in Leesburg who has been serving patients since she graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 2010. She offers a range of services, including sleep apnea treatment via oral sleep appliances. These appliances are a popular alternative to CPAP therapy. If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Pham may be able to help you rest better at night, contact us at 703-777-5600.