Why Sleep Apnea Can Make It Harder to Lose Weight
- Posted on: Jun 2 2026
Most people think of weight gain as a result of diet and exercise—but sleep is just as important.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition wherein severe resistance to airflow in the nose, throat or larynx can cause episodes of blockage of the airway during sleep, resulting in periods when breathing stops. This is a common problem, affecting nearly 1 billion people. Patients (or even their bed partners) will usually complain of snoring or gasping during sleep, interrupted sleep, fatigue in the morning or excessive daytime sleepiness. Less obvious symptoms are possible, and people may complain of “brain fog,” decreased libido and mood disturbances resulting from non-restorative sleep.
Uncommonly, OSA may cause abnormalities in routine blood tests, such as polycythemia (more red blood cells than usual).
WHAT ANATOMIC FACTORS MAKE OSA MORE LIKELY?
Several sites of potential obstruction are implicated in the development of OSA.
- Nasal Congestion / Obstruction
- Anything that causes nasal congestion can result in turbulent nasal airflow that can cause or worsen downstream OSA. Nasal cavity obstruction can also result in mouth breathing, which, over time, can make snoring and OSA more severe.
- Elongated Soft Palate
- An elongated soft palate can collapse into the posterior throat.
- Large Tongue or Small Floor of Mouth
- A large tongue or a relatively small floor of the mouth can cause airway restriction.
- Large Tonsils and Adenoids
- Large tonsils and adenoids can contribute to obstruction, particularly in children. However, chronic open-mouth breathing or frequent episodes of tonsillitis can also result in adults with larger tonsils.
- Increased Weight
- Increased weight can also contribute to OSA. This is because deposition of fat in the soft tissues of the throat and neck results in narrowing of the throat, decreasing the overall diameter of the airspace, and making the redundant soft tissue more likely to collapse during inspiration. If the excess weight is in the chest or abdomen, this can also reduce one’s ability to take a deep breath, which makes it more difficult to maintain an open upper airway. Since weight gain leads to worsening OSA, weight loss remains a viable strategy to address OSA. However, OSA itself can also lead to weight gain.
HOW DOES OSA LEAD TO WEIGHT GAIN?
Sleep apnea can affect the body in several ways that promote weight gain.
- Increased Appetite and Cravings
Poor sleep quality decreases the amounts of leptin, a hormone that makes one feel full, that are secreted. It also increases the amount of ghrelin, the hormone that promotes feeding behavior. This increases appetite and the resulting weight gain can in turn worsen OSA. - Increased Stress Hormones and Fat Storage
Sleep apnea places stress on the body, increasing levels of cortisol. Over time, this can lead to increased fat storage—especially around the abdomen—and can make blood sugar harder to control. This also makes diabetes more likely to develop. - Lower Energy and Slower Metabolism
Sleep apnea can reduce testosterone and overall energy. While levels of this hormone are higher in men, women also produce it. Since it is mostly released during REM sleep, any limitation on REM sleep can result in lower levels of testosterone. Low levels of testosterone can contribute to fat deposition around the abdomen and reduce metabolism. When combined with the overall fatigue that is common in OSA, it can reduce motivation for exercise, which can worsen the weight gain.
At Sinus and Snoring Specialists, we understand the interplay between upper airway anatomy and OSA. As such, we can offer personalized approaches to this common problem and help address it effectively. Call or securely text our clinic today at 512-601-0303 to request an appointment.
Posted in: Chronic Sinus Infection, CPAP, Deviated Septum, Large Tongue, Mouth Breathing, nasal congestion, Nasal Septum, Sleep Apnea, Snoring
