Obstructive sleep apnea is a very dangerous medical disorder that causes your breathing to stop for 10 seconds or more during sleep. This can cause serious health complications, such as decreased blood oxygen, cardiovascular disease, accidents, and even death. Weight gain and obesity are significant risk factors for developing sleep apnea. To reduce your risk of sleep apnea, you can lose weight with the help of a weight loss center near Fort Wayne . Here are more facts about the link between obesity and sleep apnea.
Weight Gain and the Development of Sleep Apnea
A sudden or extreme weight gain can significantly increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. Obesity or weight can makes an adult almost twice as likely to begin showing signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. This is primarily due to the fact that excess weight affects the soft tissues of the mouth and throat. When the throat and tongue muscles relax during sleep, the airway becomes obstructed by soft tissue.
Obesity and the Progression of Sleep Apnea
For people who have mild sleep apnea, or who may be at risk for developing sleep apnea, weight gain increases the risk of progression of sleep apnea six-fold. Conversely, a significant weight loss can decrease the risk of sleep apnea progression by 20%. Reduced physical activity, poor diet, and weight gain causes fat deposits in the tissues of the upper airway. Losing weight will decrease the size of these fat deposits, reducing the pressure they cause on the airway during sleep.
How to Prevent Sleep Apnea
The best way to decrease your risk of developing sleep apnea is by losing weight. You can visit a weight loss physician or weight loss center for healthy weight loss tips. You should eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein, and avoid sugars, fats, and refined flour. Exercise regularly, and visit your physician often for evaluation of your weight loss goals and to determine whether you’re losing enough weight.