Obese Like Me

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a phrase that sounds like it was made up for a science fiction title, yet it is a real medical term. And for those suffering from this condition, it isn’t entertaining but instead is very debilitating. OHS, sometimes called Pickwickian Syndrome, is a form of sleep-disordered breathing that results in low blood oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels, making breathing much more difficult and affecting many major organs. Worse, if left untreated it can quickly become life threatening. This little known condition is directly linked with the obese, and since obesity affects over 30 of Americans we will be hearing more about it in the future. It behooves us to learn more about it and how new medical research confirms hope for us in how we can combat OHS.

Symptoms of OHS:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness combined with obstructive sleep apnea (or cessation of breathing). Since sleep apnea often goes undetected for a long period of time, this can make detection of OHS difficult. With Sleep Apnea, a husband or wife is often awakened by snoring and then observes that the spouse alternately stops breathing and fights for air during sleep.
• Labored breathing during the daytime.
• Headaches, chest pain, high blood pressure. OHS puts strain on the heart and can cause heart murmur, enlarged liver, blood leakage, and swelling of the legs.
• Depression, when combined with 2 or more of the symptoms noted above.

Prolonged OHS dramatically increases health care costs and reduces quality of life, but the primary concern is increased incidence of premature death. One in ten people who are in treatment will die prematurely, and over the course of five years that number jumps to one in two premature deaths.

The cause of OHS is always obesity, as this results in excess body fat around the diaphragm, chest and lungs. This excess body fat constricts the normal chest and diaphragm movement needed to obtain the proper amount of oxygen. In some instances there is thought to be a defect in the brain’s breathing mechanism as well, but in all cases obesity is the primary cause of the condition.

Where obesity remains, treatment options include:

• Night time breathing assistance using special ventilation machines which focus on opening the airways. While effective, these are costly at about $1000 apiece, and can make sleeping difficult.
• Medications, which are not advised even by medical professionals, due to side effects
• Surgical ventilation or tracheotomy is a step that is only taken in an emergency as it requires ongoing oxygen after the procedure.

Recent medical studies confirm that the only known cure for OHS is significant weight loss. All people with a BMI of 30 plus are at risk, and the risk increases dramatically with a BMI of 40 or above.

So where does the hope lie for many OHS sufferers? We can assume that many of us who have been termed obese have tried to lose weight unsuccessfully, and have also suffered from other conditions caused by overweight such as diabetes, heart problems, and even cancerous conditions. A place to start is to select a proven weight loss plan, whether that be an online diet plan which has solid testimonials, or a local diet center that is recommended by someone you trust.

The key for success is to then surround yourself with like-minded individuals or groups for added support. Start with a small step, such as joining an easy walking group, and later adding a gentle Tai Chi session at the lake, coupled with a weight-loss coach, buddy or therapist. Getting involved and committed to a few of these types of activities can increase your chances of success a great deal, as it keeps you in constant touch with people who are at different levels of success and also helps you in being accountable to your own weight loss plan and healthy lifestyle.

Author: Kate E. Walker