India, June 8 -- Obesity and sleep apnea are two major health issues that are often interrelated, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often causing fragmented sleep and decreased oxygen levels in the body. This condition can lead to serious problems, including increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. One of the most significant risk factors behind sleep apnea is obesity. Excess weight, especially around the neck and throat area, can obstruct the upper airway, making it more likely for the airway to collapse during sleep. Fat deposits in the neck and throat area may cause the muscles to relax excessively, leading to blockages and pauses in breathing. In fact, studies show that individuals who are overweight or obese are significantly more likely to develop sleep apnea than those who maintain a healthy weight. Sleep apnea, in turn, can exacerbate obesity. The fragmented sleep caused by frequent awakenings and low oxygen levels disrupts the body's metabolic processes, including hunger regulation. Sleep deprivation increases the release of hunger-inducing hormones, like ghrelin, and decreases leptin, the hormone that signals fullness. As a result, individuals may experience increased cravings for high-calorie foods, which can lead to further weight gain. Addressing both obesity and sleep apnea requires a multipronged approach. Weight loss, through diet and exercise, is crucial in reducing the severity of sleep apnea. Additionally, seeking treatment for sleep apnea, such as using a CPAP machine or other therapies, can improve sleep quality and overall health. The author of this article is an MBBS, DNB, DM pulmonary and critical care medicine (PGI Chandigarh), FCCP, and consultant pulmonologist at Jindal Clinics, SCO 21, Sector 20D, Dakshin Marg, Chandigarh...