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Not Just Snoring: Why Sleep Apnea May Stall Your Weight Loss Efforts

June 26, 2025

If you've been struggling to lose weight despite your best efforts with diet and exercise, poor sleep—especially due to undiagnosed sleep apnea—might be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep-related disorders in adults, affecting 20% of Australian adults, particularly men and older individuals.1 OSA occurs when the upper airway becomes intermittently blocked during sleep, disrupting breathing and fragmenting sleep quality. But beyond the snoring and fatigue, OSA has a hidden effect many people overlook: it can significantly contribute to weight gain and make losing weight much harder.2

There’s a vicious cycle at play. Excess weight, especially around the neck and upper body, increases the risk of OSA.2 In turn, untreated OSA can accelerate weight gain.2 In fact, many people report gaining a substantial amount of weight in the year leading up to their diagnosis.2 This rapid gain isn’t just a coincidence. Sleep fragmentation caused by OSA can alter hunger hormones such as leptin and ghrelin.3 Leptin, which signals fullness, may become less effective in people with OSA, while ghrelin, which stimulates hunger, becomes elevated. The result? You may feel hungrier more often and crave calorie-dense, high-carb foods.

On top of hormonal shifts, persistent fatigue from poor sleep often reduces motivation to exercise.3 Daytime drowsiness can interfere with daily activities and lower your energy levels, further sabotaging your weight loss goals.

Fortunately, there’s good news. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy—often the first-line treatment for moderate to severe OSA—can be a game-changer.2 CPAP works by gently delivering air through a mask to keep the upper airway open during sleep, preventing apneas and eliminating symptoms.

The effects of untreated sleep apnea extend far beyond weight. It’s linked to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.4 If you find yourself gaining weight rapidly, waking up tired despite a full night’s sleep, or snoring loudly, it might be time to speak to your doctor.

How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help

Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time.

If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.

References

  1. “OSA - Prevalence.” Www.sleepprimarycareresources.org.au, www.sleepprimarycareresources.org.au/osa/epidemiology.
  2. Practitioners, The Royal Australian College of General. “Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Obesity.” Australian Family Physician, 7 July 2017, www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/july/obstructive-sleep-apnoea-and-obesity.
  3. Edwards, Jennifer M. “The Complex Relationship between Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 31 May 2022, www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-weight-gain#takeaway.
  4. Wiseman, Jill. “How Weight Affects Sleep Apnea.” Sleep Foundation, 28 Aug. 2020, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/weight-loss-and-sleep-apnea.