India, Sept. 7 -- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) disrupts breathing during sleep due to repeated airway collapse, leading to fragmented rest and health risks. Obesity significantly exacerbates this condition, turning mild issues into severe ones through multiple physiological mechanisms. Excess body fat deposits around the neck and upper airway narrow the pharyngeal space, increasing collapsibility and blocking airflow. This pharyngeal fat accumulation creates a smaller lumen, making the throat prone to obstruction, especially when muscles relax at night. Additionally, abdominal obesity compresses the chest wall, reducing lung volume and airflow, which heightens oxygen demand and triggers more frequent apneas. The relationship is bidirectional: OSA can promote weight gain by altering hormones like leptin and ghrelin, boosting appetite and reducing energy for exercise. This cycle worsens symptoms, elevating risks for hypertension, heart disease, and metabolic issues. Studies show a 10% weight gain correlates with a sixfold OSA risk increase. Weight loss can alleviate these effects by shrinking fat deposits and improving airway stability. For those affected, addressing obesity through diet, exercise, or medical interventions is crucial for better sleep and health outcomes. The author of this article is an MBBS, DNB, DM Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PGIMER Chandigarh); FCCP; and consultant pulmonologist, Jindal Clinics, Centre for Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, SCO 21, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh who can be contacted at 958-246-9429...