Weight Issues

[Sparticus]

Since been aware of OSA it seems that the general censes is that being overweight is a big factor with OSA. I am 6ft and weigh 11 stones, so Im I an anigma? I dont know the weight of other forum members and I guess it would be nice to do a survey on this just to see if this can be ruled out. When I first heard of sleep apnea I automaticly thought of big truck drivers as this is where I first saw it on tv. Also if there are any large peeps on here, did you get osa before you became overweight or was you already overweight and again if so then why didnt these peeps contract this illness earlier.

Personally, I dont beleive that this has anything to do with weight issues because if it was a direct link then why havent more peeps got OSA. Food for thought dont you think?

[symmit]

I've always had a weight problem, when I was younger I found it hard to get to what doctors called a "healthy weight", I used to enjoy cycling and had an eating disorder (vegetarianism...) and my BMI (stupid arbitrary number that is is) was under 18. Marriage, car, a new found love of Bacon+Brown Sauce and a desk job moved that over a period of 18 yrs to a BMI of 38.

I've always snored, had tonsils adenoids removed when younger which improved it a bit, but my snoring and short sleep (4 hrs normal, double a couple of times a week) pattern has always been the same until the last few months when I was getting under 2 hrs sleep and not good sleep at that.

I reckon I was a candidate for OSA anyway, and that I probably fall into the spiral of decline of weight gain aggravates sleep loss aggravates weight gain that has been reported in many articles on OSA. One week of CPAP has changed my sleep and eating patterns already, I'm not eating and drinking to stay alert and in fact am back to having to remember to eat. I'm not able to get tired in the evenings so am planning long walks with the dogs to try and help that in the evenings. My wife is very supportive and is wanting me to get back to fitness (there's more to it, but her story not mine) and my old mental state so I know I can succeed.

So back to your point, not all big people have OSA, not all people with OSA are big, but those of us who are overweight and on CPAP are not doing ourselves any favours if we choose not to try and improve our physical condition. I certainly don't want to be breathing against 12-16hPa during the night if I can reduce or remove that need by simply eating less, parking further from the door and not using the lift, and if the CPAP helps me stay alert and active for less food intake then I'm now on a better cycle, better sleep makes be more energetic makes me do more and eat less makes me sleep better...

[Tigers Fan]

not all big people have OSA, not all people with OSA are big

But there is endless research that directly links OSA and obesity and diabetes.
The information is there. The choice is yours.

TF

[Sparticus]

I wont except that

If they are saying that there is a link then what am I? I am neither, I climb mountains in winter and have a very demanding job, hence I am healthy, very fit and not even close to being over weight. Why do I have OSA then if this is the case.

[symmit]

Google is your friend - although there's correlation between OSA and weight it's like saying speed kills - it doesn't, it just makes the accident more severe.

Plenty of overweight / obese / fat people (like me at the moment) have OSA, plenty more don't. I've driven my car at 160mph but didn't die then either.

Your OSA could be caused by the shape of your airways, jaw structure or all sorts of stuff. Congratulations on the active lifestyle though - don't give it up!

[Sparticus]

Google is your friend - although there's correlation between OSA and weight it's like saying speed kills - it doesn't, it just makes the accident more severe.

Plenty of overweight / obese / fat people (like me at the moment) have OSA, plenty more don't. I've driven my car at 160mph but didn't die then either.

Your OSA could be caused by the shape of your airways, jaw structure or all sorts of stuff. Congratulations on the active lifestyle though - don't give it up!

160mph!!!! what are you driving lol. I just got a new speed machine but its limited to 155. Yes I am very active and would never give my past times up. I just wished they wouldnt say you will get osa for being overweight cos thats not true. Its like saying I "WILL" die of cancer as I am a smoker and thats just not true as it could have been caused by a speeding motorist

[Poppy56]

A bit overweight, but only by about half a stone. And very fit - I walk miles over Dartmoor, in Scotland and every day to work.

[Berneta]

Weighty Subject

Hi everyone, I have been of normal weight most of my life --but have gained some in the last 10 years--I am 65 now. I am losing weight but that won't make any difference in my Sleep Apnea. I have Central Sleep Apnea-- that is a problem in the brain (forgets to breathe now and then night and sometimes day) and it will not change no matter how much weight I lose. I have had Sleep Apnea all my life (used to have trouble sleeping nights as a skinny child, and would fall asleep in my sandbox in the daytime--fall asleep at school, etc). Did not know that I had Sleep Problems, til it was discovered accidentally last December at the hospital, when I was there for another reason. So weight doesn't always make Sleep Apnea--but it can complicate the matter. It depends a lot on what kind you have and also your general physical conditions. On the other hand research shows that OSA , Heart Troubles, and Diabetes do sometimes go hand in hand. Berneta

[symmit]

160mph!!!! what are you driving lol. I just got a new speed machine but its limited to 155. Yes I am very active and would never give my past times up. I just wished they wouldnt say you will get osa for being overweight cos thats not true. Its like saying I "WILL" die of cancer as I am a smoker and thats just not true as it could have been caused by a speeding motorist

Heh - 160Mph was in a modified Volvo, no limiter. Have been faster in Audis a few times, used to work across Europe so no laws were broken (but a lot of fuel was used).

Current car only does 140, and as I pay for fuel myself now doesn't do it often.

My mother used to say she would die of lung cancer because her father and brother both did, oddly they smoked 20-40 a day, she never did. She didn't die of cancer.

[Sparticus]

Lose weight

If I burnt fuel like my car then I would be about 6 stone by now lol

[Nukkamtti]

I think it is listed as just a possible reason, Spartacus. I am under 11 stone, (the ideal weight for my size and age is 10st 3lbs), go to the gym two or three times a week. The doctor still told me to lose weight though

[Sparticus]

I think it is listed as just a possible reason, Spartacus. I am under 11 stone, (the ideal weight for my size and age is 10st 3lbs), go to the gym two or three times a week. The doctor still told me to lose weight though

Did you tell the doctor where to go? your about 10lbs over and he's complaining! Are they scared of saying sorry I dont know instead of patronizing people about their weight.

[Nukkamtti]

Did you tell the doctor where to go? your about 10lbs over and he's complaining! Are they scared of saying sorry I dont know instead of patronizing people about their weight.

No, I didn't either because I am a surprisingly non-aggressive Scot ....or because I still needed to see what the results of the lab test had been

I arched an eyebrow and stared at his midriff instead

[Sparticus]

Funny

No, I didn't either because I am a surprisingly non-aggressive Scot ....or because I still needed to see what the results of the lab test had been

I arched an eyebrow and stared at his midriff instead

Thats Funny Did you count the stripes on his shirt....and did you listen to what he said or was the shirt counting too much lol

[Cole15]

Nice thread.
I am 32 year old Cole from USA.
And i have only 45 pound weight.
And i think i don't need to gain my weight and other
weight loss issues.....because i feel so good and living
very happy and healthy life.