Why do fat people snore?
Snoring is an unfortunate side effect of obesity. It occurs when the soft tissue in the throat relaxes or is restricted in some way. These tissues then vibrate as air passes through them. Snoring due to obesity can be caused by excessive weight, obesity-related conditions like sleep apnea, and is associated with many poor health outcomes.
What is obesity?
Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index of 30 or greater. How do you calculate your BMI? BMI is calculated according to the following formula:
(weight)/(height)² * 703
A high BMI can indicate obesity, however it’s not a perfect system. It does not directly diagnose fat, or health. There are more involved methods of determining exact measurements of body fat, including skin fold measurements and DEXA scans.
According to the CDC, in March 2020 41.9% of Americans were obese. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the most predominant mortality risks associated with obesity. Obesity can also cause obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), essentially an excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Due to inefficient or inadequate respiratory function, your body gets rid of less carbon dioxide than it should. OHS has a higher morbidity and mortality rate than both simple obesity and sleep apnea. Being obese is associated with objective poor sleep quality, and quantity. Being obese really, really, hurts your sleep. Unfortunately this can lead to a vicious cycle in which being obese hurts your sleep, which means you’re tired during the daytime, which makes you want to be inactive. Causing more obesity!
Why does obesity cause snoring?
Obesity leads to excess fatty tissue around the neck, which compresses the throat and contributes to snoring. This fatty tissue and compression makes it harder for the air to pass through, leading to more vibration and noise. Snoring is an important side effect for obesity sufferers, as it can be indicative of the onset of OSA, especially changes in snoring or sleep patterns. It can also put extra strain on their relationships with their partners.
What can be done?
Weight loss is the best way to get rid of obesity related breathing issues. An overall reduction of body fat will lessen the weight on your neck, throat, and diaphragm. This will, in turn, improve airflow during sleep, improve sleep quality, and lessen snoring. If you have sleep apnea, it may be worth looking into a CPAP machine, as well as adjustments to your sleeping posture. However, the best option for your overall health and wellbeing will be to lose some weight. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you believe you have obesity related respiratory problems.
Conclusion
Snoring is common among obese people. It effects the quality of their life through reduced quality of sleep, and the quality of their relationships with others. Fortunately weight reduction is an effective treatment for obesity related sleep disordered, as well as lowering overall mortality rate due complications with obesity. Losing weight will reduce short term symptoms like snoring, as well as improve long term cardiovascular health.
