CPAP's effect on weight???

[ajraih1]

I know that higher weights can increase the chances of people having OSA due to larger neck measurements. Also, less activity during the day can also contribute to heavier weight. Has CPAP therapy and increased daytime energy helped anyone to loose weight out there? I was thinking it might really help the metabolism take off and burn off the extra weight. Am I right?
I am starting CPAP as soon as my insurance co. and DME get around to getting me my machine.

[littlebaddow]

Interesting question.
I suspect it helps. It might increase the metabolism, and it should certainly make you feel better and give you more energy.
I doubt, however, that it's a panacea and will result in instant and sustainable weight loss.
For tubbies like me, this requires a lifestyle change, ie healthier eating and more exercise. Whilst successful cpap treatment has helped with improved energy levels, it has not stopped my bad eating habits
I've no doubt, however, that applying the same mindset and perseverence to weight loss as to the use of xpap would result in sustainable weight loss, I just haven't got round to doing it yet

[winknblinknnod]

I am on cpap now for two months. Back in January I joined a Weight Watchers group and lost 10 lbs slowly (pre cpap). Now I am out of the group but trying to maintain the eating habits AND I 've found the better enerngy level from finally sleeping well has made the program so much easier.

Cpap has improved not just my energy level but I have less body and muscle aches so feel more able to do the exercise thing.
I've been losing the weight faster than pre-cpap.

[MartiniLover]

Wishful thinking

We all know that one doesn't equal the other.

I have yet to hear the first person say they lost weight by being on CPAP.

[tscip22]

I agree with others here that losing weight is an individual process that mostly is up to the individual. With that said, getting diagnosed and treated for Sleep Apnea was the beginning of me taking charge with my weight problem. Since last year, I have lost 100 pounds and have really changed my health both mentally and physically. I lost weight through a managed program with my internist and his staff. Being able to sleep at night was really the start. I am continuing on a journey to being healthier and more physically fit. Sleep Apnea did contribute to my lack of energy and poor choices in diet. I feel that CPAP therapy was the start of great positive change in my life.

[SLEEPYCD]

Hey all,
Here is what 1 year of CPAP treatment has done for me:
1. At 49 years old, I feel like I'm in my 30s agiain.
2. Have lost 31 lbs & 26 inches in 1.5 years (NO DIETING).
3. I ride bike, lift weights, walk, do gardening & yardwork (huge yard).
4. My blood pressure (on Benicar HCT) is going down so low I may be able to stop taking meds altogether in the near future.
5. Predisposed to Type 2 Diabetes, blood sugar is almost down to normal.
6. Do not nod off while driving anymore!!!!!
7. I am not irratable, have a foggy mind in the morning, don't suffer from night sweats any more, ect.
8. Have left the corporate world and am a student again, going into the medical field.
In conclusion, this treatment does work!!!!!!! It takes time, lots of determination and hard work on your part. MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO KEEP SMILING AND FIND HUMOR IN EVERYDAY LIFE!!!!
Carolyn

[tooly125]

I will pass on what my doctor at the sleep clinic told me about OSA and weight loss.
Sleep disorders are her specialty and in my opinion she seems to know her stuff.

She said that when you have osa your body doesn't produce a certain chemical(I don't remember the name) this chemical is the one that tells you that your full.
I tend to belive this because pre-cpap I used to be able to eat until my stomach hurt and still want more. Now I can't even polish off a whole box of cookies because I feel full.
I think cpap alone will not make you lose weight but it will help make your efforts to lose wight more successful.

[Snoozin' Bluezzz]

Wishful thinking

We all know that one doesn't equal the other.

I have yet to hear the first person say they lost weight by being on CPAP.

I think you just heard a couple. I know that xPAP therapy has given me more energy and optimism about my weight. Time will tell if it helps me get some weight off. I certainly don't want to be told it can't help because I don't believe that and don't find it helpful at all.

It certainly hasn't done it by itself for but SLEEPYCD seems to report that it did for them. I have acquired some terrible eating habits over the years but it is clear to me that OSA was making those habit worse.

[bbeck4x4]

for me to be abot to sleep the entire night was the right mask for me and drinking enought water 10+ glasses per day.
now this of course has dropped my drinking soda(was allready off of the caffine addiction) but that combo has led to more energy again which is starting to show up on the scale. 6 months cpap and one month of drinking enough water. wish that I had started drinking the water sooner, but that is why I am typing this.

no meds these days except the testosteroine gel and the nexium at about 1-2 per week, hope to not need the "T" and the nexium in the next 6 months.


Brian

[Goofproof]

To loose weight requires a life change, CPAP has little or no effect, other that, if your sleep and breathing improve, you may have the desire to make a life change. Jim

[birdshell]

I will pass on what my doctor at the sleep clinic told me about OSA and weight loss.
Sleep disorders are her specialty and in my opinion she seems to know her stuff.

She said that when you have osa your body doesn't produce a certain chemical(I don't remember the name) this chemical is the one that tells you that your full.
I tend to belive this because pre-cpap I used to be able to eat until my stomach hurt and still want more. Now I can't even polish off a whole box of cookies because I feel full.
I think cpap alone will not make you lose weight but it will help make your efforts to lose wight more successful.

I think the chemical to which she referred may be leptin. Another that makes one want to eat is cortisol, often produced in stressful situtations. I do not know if gasping and awaking many times per night would qualify as stress, but it seems so!

There are a lot of other chemicals affecting eating, too. I don't know if they would have any effect.

It seems to me that I used to eat in order to keep myself more awake and alert. I have lost 5 lbs. in two months , and have noticed that I feel as if I am full. I did not used to feel this way, and have done nothing to lose.

[Snoozy Q]

Sleep deprivation is linked to overproduction of cortisol (a stress-related hormone), which is linked to obesity (it has an effect on fat storage and appetite). There's been some reports in the news in the past week about lack of sleep being one of the top reasons there's a trend to more obesity in the U.S.

[birdshell]

Thank you, SuzyQ! You obviously know your stuff.

I was trying to dimly recall it, so I'm glad to be on the right track.

[ajraih1]

Very encouraging news everyone.

Snoozy Q,

Any chance you might be able to find links to some of those news articles?

[birdshell]

Sorry, Snoozy Q. I forgot to check for the correct user name on your post before I hit the submit button!