Weight gain + CPAP

I've lost 32 lbs since starting APAP. To be fair though, I had started on a "low-carb" about 3 months prior and had already lost about 20lbs. So say a net loss of -12 lbs whilst being on the blower.

My BMI now low/normal.

Based on this note string, weight gain with CPAP does not seem to be normal. Unfortunately, I'm experiencing a bit.

I've had pretty steady weight over the last 10 years, usually ranging from 182-186. I'm 5' 11". This is weighing at home, same time of day, etc.
In May I was closer to the 186 range, and started walking an hour a day. The weight didn't budge, but the blood pressure went down a bit, so I was OK with that.

I started CPAP on August 3rd. Today is September 19th. I'm at 190 today! I've been between 186-189 since starting CPAP. I've -never- weighed in that high. I realize we are talking just a few pounds here, but still, I would have hoped that the hour a day walk would have started to have some impact. Maybe my body just got used to it. Trouble is, I usually walk after work, and as the days get shorter, I will have to switch to indoor workouts on the elliptical rider which is less attractive to me.

Here's the thing - since starting CPAP, while I seem to have a bit more energy, I also seem much hungrier than I used to be! I don't know where that hunger is coming from. I guess I need to watch the intake and try to increase my heart rate on my walks. I do think I am burning fewer calories at night while sleeping, but I don't know if that is really enough to show up.

John

The hunger begins with the 02 you're getting on your walks... unfortunately! There's a new study out there now about how people have to tweak their exercising, not overdo it, and be careful they don't end up eating back all the calories they used. I don't know if a treadmill (indoors) would lessen the 02 you're taking in (it's otherwise a good thing!) or if you really need to see a dietician who can help work on an ongoing 'diet' with you - not one to lose weight (tho' it should happen along the way) but to permanently get you onto a better all around ongoing, healthier one for good... the weight might not come off as quickly, but may not go back on either if you quit walking etc., and you'll won't go overboard with hunger after working out.

When I had my CPAP machine set wrong, I was so sick that I didn't feel like eating much. I was also scared enough about my health that I cut back on my eating rather drastically. I lost a fair bit of weight.

After fixing my pressure setting, I felt better and started eating normally again. I gained weight.

I guess I could say that CPAP made me gain weight.

Julie wrote:The hunger begins with the 02 you're getting on your walks... unfortunately!

Interesting. And, of course, I am getting more O2 during the night now on CPAP, based on my pulse oximeter readings too.