With many conditions, such as high cholesterol, infertility or type 2 diabetes, obesity affects body chemistry in a way that impairs the body’s proper functioning. With some of these diseases, doctors can’t even pinpoint the direct cause, even if they know there is a relationship. Fortunately, with sleep apena, the connection is a lot clearer.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is closely associated with morbid obesity because excess body fat around the neck or chest literally makes it hard to breathe. In fact, 95 percent of patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea are obese. They often have difficulty concentrating and experience daytime drowsiness because of the frequent disruptions during sleep when their airway becomes blocked, and can even suffer heart failure as a result of an apnea episode during the night.

What’s more, studies have shown that lack of sufficient sleep can have an adverse effect on the hormones that regulate appetite. Pile on top of that the tendency to consume empty calories –in the form of caffeinated beverages, like sodas and energy drinks – to then stay awake and make up for the lost sleep, and you have a serious downward spiral that may lead to even more weight gain.

Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or Lap-Band surgery, can reduce or resolve the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Research shows that nearly 75 percent of OSA patients are cured simply by having the procedure and losing the weight that was preventing them from breathing.

If you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, weight loss surgery is one of the best treatments, and gives you the added benefit of overall improved health. Call Obesity Health Solutions for information about weight loss surgery in Decatur, TX, toll-free at 866-980-8598, and let us help you rest easy.