Well, we have pretty much explained how weight gain can contribute to the development of sleep apnea. But what about weight loss? Can that possibly be a cure for obstructive sleep apnea? Let’s pause for a moment and consider this. If weight gain can be a contributing factor in the development of sleep disorders, it only makes sense that the opposite would also be true. It would most certainly make the question does using a CPAP make you gain weight seem to be a question that would never need to be brought up ever again.
However, losing weight does not appear to have the opposite effect on sleeping habits as gaining weight does. Oh, there are plenty of benefits that come from losing weight which will specifically curb those cravings, balance your hormones, and reduce the risk of chronic fatigue. That’s not even scratching the surface of the health benefits of losing weight. But where does this apply to sleep apnea?
According to Registered Nurse Michelle Worley, who is also the Director of Clinical at Aeroflot Sleep, sleep apnea has no cure. However, it can be treated. “Lifestyle management like diet and exercise can help if you are overweight,” she states. So, if you have a CPAP machine that you use for sleep apnea therapy, and you happen to have a few extra pounds on you, you can rest assured that the weight gain has nothing to do with your CPAP use. But, what is likely happening is that your sleep apnea has caused you to suffer from symptoms that may have resulted in you eating a few more unhealthy snacks than you would normally enjoy. But there are ways to beat this cycle and get a handle on the situation to better treat your sleep disorder. Here is how you do that.
