Does Excessive Weight Gain Cause Heavy Breathing During Sleep?

Posted on Mon, 16 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 Answered on

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : About 3 months ago, I started having “heavy” breathing during sleep according to my husband. He says it isn’t “snoring” but it is loud enough to keep him awake. What could cause that? I haven’t had a problem with that before. Could it be weight related? I’m 5’4” and weigh 172lbs. Could it be age related? Thanks you for your help. I would like to cure this condition.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, this can be due to obesity

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I have calculated your BMI (body mass index). It comes around 30. So you are having grade 1 morbid obesity. And this is the likely cause for your night symptom. I don't think it is age-related. The best treatment for this is weight loss. You will mostly improve if you loose 10 kgs of weight.

At present, if you want to diagnose it then sleep study should be done. Do let me know if you have other symptoms.

Hope I have solved your query.

Regards,
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar, Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj