A member asked:

What is obesity effect on the human breathing?

8 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea in 70% of cases is due to obesity. Also some obese people develop hypoventilation which means that the oxygen is not well reach to the terminal airways and poor oxygen exchange also might cause co2 to stay high in our blood.

Answered 1/18/2014

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Impairs breathing: Obesity can result in shortness of breath and labored breathing as people who are obese tend to be less physically fit and their bodies tire more quickly. Additionally, it is harder work for the body system to carry the additional weight increasing the burden and likelihoodhood of breathlessness. Obesity contributes to sleep apnea which is when breathing stops during sleep and can be fatal.

Answered 1/19/2017

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Sleep apnea: Obesity puts you at risk for sleep apnea. When you sleep and your muscles relax obesity will result in a closing of the airway which will obstruct air flow. Snoring is a symptom, as is thrashing about and waking up not feeling rested. Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous condition because your blood oxygen decreases. This is more common in men with central obesity, short necks and hypertension.

Answered 1/4/2013

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Dr. Martin Fried answered

Specializes in Nutrition

Sleep apnea: Obesity can lead to sleep apnea, or lapses in breathing at night. Weight loss can reverse the changes. Obesity can also cause reflux with acid in the esophagus. Acid irritating the vagus nerve can also affect breathing and even trigger asthma like episodes.

Answered 3/27/2015

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