One of the frequent questions from patients I get in the office is why they can't lose weight. I ask the usual questions like what is their diet ("I don't eat that much...really".), how much exercise do they get ("I get exercise...I walk for 10 minutes a day") and perhaps what other medical problems they may have (Diabetes, hypothyroidism etc). But it may be surprising to some of you that I also ask if the snore.

Severe Snoring sometimes indicates possible sleep apnea. Sleep apnea in effect gives the patient a lousy sleep--the brain will prevents REM sleep because with deeper sleep they obstruct their airway even more. Some sleep apnea patients will refuse to believe they snore but they often report chronic fatigue, needs forlate afternoon naps and even sudden nighttime awakenings-- which is their brain in effect screaming at them "Breath ya' idiot!!".

So how does all this effect the ability to lose weight. Recent research has shown that chronic sleep deprivation lowers a person's metabolism. Not only that but sleep apnea patients are so chronically tired they don't have the energy or desire to exercise.

Now trying to convince someone that they may have sleep apnea and that if we improve their sleep this will help them lose weight is usually a hard sell. I tell them they just have to trust me. I've had patients have a sleep study, get treated with the CPAP mask at night and suddenly within a few weeks they start feeling better, exercising more and losing weight at a regular clip. And frequently they can come off the CPAP device if they lose a significant amount of weight.

So if you struggle with weight, you may want to ask your significant other is you snore. Or maybe you already get "The elbow" on a nightly basis. Another simple self-check to see if you are risk for snoring: look in the mirror and go Aaaah. If you can't see your entire uvula ( the little fleshy thing that hangs in the back of your throat) then you could be a snorer. If you cant see your uvula at all...you are most certainly a snorer and I am sure you struggle with your weight.

So to lose weight, follow a well balanced diet, exercise 30 minutes daily, and fix that snoring.