Are you feeling too tired all the time? Often, poor sleep is blamed for persistent fatigue. But if you still feel exhausted after sleeping for seven to eight hours, reducing screen time, and managing stress, it could then mean it is an underlying health condition. According to a surgeon, obesity may be one reason your energy levels are low, and you feel drained throughout the day.
Dr Nikhil Yadav, HOD of minimal access and robotic surgery at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, told us that obesity may be one of the reasons behind the constant fatigue you may be feeling. “Excess body weight not only affects appearance and mobility but also interferes with sleep quality, energy levels, and overall health,” he explained.
Why does obesity cause excessive fatigue?
You may think that clocking in the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep guarantees adequate rest. In reality, the quality of your sleep also matters. Otherwise, you may wake up feeling groggy and tired the next day. As per Dr Yadav, obesity may affect your energy levels because it disrupts your natural sleep cycle.
So, how does obesity disrupt your natural sleep cycle? Dr Nikhil Yadav elaborated, “Fat accumulates around the neck region, which narrows the airway, increasing the risk of sleep apnea, in which you have trouble breathing during sleep. Even if a person spends 8 hours in bed, interrupted breathing prevents deep restorative sleep, leaving them drained the next day.”
Obesity is also linked to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, and Dr Yadav informed that both actually cause fatigue. This means there are many interconnected factors responsible for low energy levels and daytime fatigue.
How to manage obesity and restore energy?
The surgeon believed obesity can be managed with the help of lifestyle changes. Here are some of which he recommended:
1. Prioritise balanced meals:
- Choose protein-rich foods, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for stable energy levels throughout the day.
- Limit processed foods and sugary drinks.
2. Increase body movement:
- Aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity in a day makes a big difference.
- Even brisk walking improves body metabolism and sleep quality.
3. Protect sleep routine:
- Keep track of your sleep and wake times, and reduce screen time before bed.
- Seek medical advice if loud snoring or interrupted breathing is a common occurrence during sleep.
4. Go for body checkups:
- Regular fatigue is not normal.
- Monthly health checkups help identify issues like sleep apnea, diabetes, or thyroid issues before complications arise.
5. Manage stress:
- Chronic stress affects your sleep schedule and appetite, further worsening your health.
- Practice meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises, which will help restore your mental health and also improve your eating habits.
What are the health risks of untreated fatigue?
What happens if you do not take constant fatigue seriously? The surgeon cautioned that more serious health conditions may develop and remain undetected.
“Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.” Aside from some major health conditions, obesity also influences both physiological and psychological functions negatively. “It also worsens the joint problems, reduces physical activity, and impacts mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and poor concentration.”
It can become a vicious cycle, as constant exhaustion may make you more likely to remain inactive, potentially leading to further weight gain. Finally, the surgeon advised that if fatigue continues despite healthy sleeping habits, and when it is accompanied by loud snoring, morning headaches, breathlessness, or unexpected weight gain, then it is time to get medical help.
