Most people know that being overweight can contribute to many serious health issues, including diabetes, heart disease and strokes, high blood pressure, some cancers, arthritis, kidney disease, and liver disease. But what many don’t know is that it can also cause a very common and even life threatening disease called sleep apnea. In fact, many physicians say that sleep apnea is one of the most dangerous side effects of being overweight if left untreated.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Commonly known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA, the disease is a condition in which your upper airway becomes partially or completely obstructed while you sleep. The side effects and signs of OSA may include:
· Snoring
· Waking up suddenly and feeling like you’re gasping or choking
· Restlessness during sleep
· Fatigue and sleepiness during the day due to sleep deprivation
· Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, depression and anxiety
· Morning headaches
· Morning dry mouth
· Erectile dysfunction
· Sudden cardiac arrest
In adults, the most common cause of OSA is excess weight and obesity. It’s estimated that 80% of adult sleep apnea patients are overweight or obese. The connection between being overweight and OSA: As a person gains weight, fatty tissue is deposited all over the body, including the neck, airway and chest area. Because there is less space in the airway, it causes an increased probability of an airway obstruction.
Treatment for OSA
Being that OSA is so widespread, there are literally tens of thousands of sleep specialists across the country – including oral surgeons and even dentists who are involved in treatment, which may include CPAP or an oral appliance. Both the CPAP and oral appliance are used at night while you sleep. The CPAP is a machine with a connected mask that provides a continuous airflow to your throat, while the oral appliance is a device similar to a night mouth guard that works to open the airway by adjusting the position of the jaw. However, the first line of treatment of OSA is weight loss – and that’s where Slim4Life comes in!
How Slim4Life can help
Given that weight loss can likely alleviate the symptoms of OSA (if you are indeed overweight), it’s essential to lose weight and keep it off if you do suffer from the disease. It should also be noted that OSA can actually cause a weight increase, because poor and insufficient sleep leads to a chemistry imbalance that makes it difficult for the body to maintain a healthy metabolism. Even 30 minutes of lost sleep every night can compromise your metabolism.
Again, the best solution of all is to maintain a healthy weight so OSA does not become a factor in your life. And at Slim4Life, that’s what we do! Slim4Life’s renowned Weight Loss programs are comprehensive, custom-tailored and professionally supervised for safe and rapid weight loss results. Nutritionally designed to help you develop proper eating habits, our one-on-one counseling and supervision, combined with behavioral education, provides you with the discipline and accountability to help you achieve long term results.
Call Slim4Life today!
Don’t let the dangerous effects of OSA weigh you down. Contact Slim4Life today for a complimentary consultation to see how our acclaimed program can help you shed pounds 4Life! With our proven weight loss program, you’ll sleep better and breathe easier knowing that you’ll look and feel better inside and out! Schedule your free consultation today.
