Why Do Fat People Snore? (What You Need to Know)

In this article we’ll go over the reasons WHY fat people snore. It’s CRAZY to me just how much goes into this!

Being a big guy myself, I went and scoured every web article I could find for days and I found there is quite a bit more to it than what you’d think.

So, Why do fat people snore?

Short answer: Snoring is caused by obstructed airflow. The extra weight larger people have adds pressure to their respiratory passageways. Studies like this one – (link here) show that the main issue is found in the neck. The neck-circumference of people with snoring issues are generally larger than those without.

Being overweight is NOT the primary reason for someone to snore however, even though it is a large portion of it.

In the rest of this article we’ll discuss other reasons why fat people (and all people really) snore and things you can do about it.

The muscles are relaxing to much

When someone snores, the issue is that all the air that’s going in is being obstructed and causing airflow issues which causes vibrations in the respiratory system. 

So, when the muscles relax to much the tongue, and muscles in the throat, plus other tissues all start to collapse on top of each other. Which in turn creates the perfect environment for really really loud snoring. 

Things like alcohol, and other things can cause these muscles to relax A LOT. If you or your partner are drinking or if you’re doing anything that might cause the muscles in these areas to relax to much…..then you may be in for a lot of snoring in the future.

Me personally when I drink, I usually snore a TON which also leaves to headaches in the morning…….a bad nights sleep…….and loads of other issues and problems I normally don’t have to deal with as much. 

Structural factors

Many people have what is known and a deviated septum. Simply put this is when the wall inside your knows is just very slightly off center which can cause breathing issues.

This is a very very common occurrence, you’d be surprised at how many people this is their main problem. Usually people with these issues have them their whole lives and don’t even know that it’s such a big deal. 

Another big problem can be the uvula, which generally is only a problem if it’s to big.

Even a tongue that’s to large can be a problem! which isn’t as likely but can happen. Who would’ve thought that? Not me.

Sleeping position

This came as a big surprise to me, but sleeping on your back (which I was always told was the correct way to sleep) is actually a huge cause of snoring.

Simply switching from this position over to your side worked WONDERS for me personally…….and honestly sleeping on my side feels a lot better now than on my back anyways.

It will be uncomfortable at first, but after only a few days of switching sleeping positions it’s all become MUCH more comfortable for me. It’s weird how quick we can lose habits!

Getting old

Yes, your age does play a part in your snoring.

Yes really this is a thing, I was surprised to see it as an issue……but when we get older we relax our muscles more when we sleep, which restricts the airflow. Doesn’t happen to everyone, but a good portion of people it does.

So, if you didn’t have this issue when you were younger……maybe this is the culprit! Absolutely never would’ve guessed this.

You should take this seriously, because you might have OSA

OSA stands for obstructive sleep apnea……and unfortunately it’s not a joke at all. People with obstructive sleep apnea can have SEVERE issues in life with everything from cardiovascular problems to other medications, surgery, and even of all things eye problems like glaucoma.

If you think you might have OSA you should contact your doctor immediately: also check this list on Mayo Clinic for signs that you may/may not have it.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090

Seriously, don’t delay on this. People when they figure out they have OSA usually have MASSIVE improvements in their life when it comes to their general happiness, energy, and even their cravings!

I promise, A better nights sleep can improve your life TREMENDOUSLY and make everything better. Just think of the last time you felt really well rested, it’s awesome isn’t it? Imagine getting that every. single. day.

Plus, there are sleep studies you can take now that can be taken AT HOME.

If you are interested, here’s a super cool video on how easy it is to take a sleep study and how they can literally change your life!

There is LOTS of help out there if your snoring gets bad

There is absolutely a ridiculous amount of products out there that help when it comes to snoring. There are treatments, doctors, TONS of products and a seriously ridiculous amount of information out there that can help you or your partner.

If you’re interested in snoring products beware

There are actually quite a few out there that simply are not good for you at all. In fact, they really don’t have any good scientific evidence or backing to them.

Not to hard to avoid! Check reviews, and read a little about each product and you’ll be fine.

Blocked nose phenomenon

A blocked nose simply causes the need for a HUGE amount of suction in order to get the air your body needs. Not only is this hard for your body, but when you’re sucking in that hard it makes the snoring EXCESSIVELY loud because you’re really ripping through your respiratory area much more than you need to be.

I like to think of this like a kazoo…….the HARDER you blow the LOUDER the snoring.

This is why all of the decongestants and weird things that don’t seem to work like breathe right strips work (you know those things you put on your nose to open up your airways)

When you use these products, you’re essentially just making it so you can breathe without breathing hard. There’ll still be snoring because your respiratory system is still hitting against each other…….just not as hard.

Pregnancy

Simply put, if you’re pregnant there will be reduced airflow. This is usually in the second and third trimester and shouldn’t really happen in the first.

Conclusion:

I hope you enjoyed this article!!!! In short, in case you’re just skimming….there are a ton of reasons that can cause this issue,