When people think about obesity, they often think about diabetes, heart disease or joint pain. What is discussed less often is what excess weight does to the lungs.
Breathlessness is usually put down to being “unfit”. Snoring is dismissed as harmless. A poor night’s sleep becomes normal. Over time, these signs are ignored.
Untreated obesity can quietly damage respiratory health. In Ireland and the UK, where obesity rates continue to rise, this is a growing concern for patients and GPs alike.
At Blackrock WeightCare, we see first-hand how weight loss surgery can improve not just weight, but breathing, sleep and overall lung function.
Why excess weight makes breathing harder
Breathing relies on the lungs expanding fully and the diaphragm moving freely. With increasing abdominal and chest wall fat:
- The diaphragm is pushed upwards
- Lung volumes reduce
- Airway resistance increases
- Oxygen exchange becomes less efficient
Patients often describe:
- Breathlessness on minimal exertion
- Difficulty lying flat
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Fatigue throughout the day
Over time, this mechanical restriction can contribute to more serious respiratory conditions.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is more than snoring
One of the most common respiratory complications of obesity is Obstructive sleep apnoea.
It occurs when excess tissue around the neck and throat narrows the airway during sleep, leading to repeated breathing pauses.
Typical signs include loud snoring, witnessed apnoeas, morning headaches, poor concentration, and daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnoea is strongly associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke and cardiac arrhythmias.
Weight loss is one of the most effective long-term treatments. Many patients who undergo bariatric surgery see dramatic improvement or complete resolution of sleep apnoea.
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome can be life-threatening
A lesser-known but far more serious complication of severe obesity is Obesity hypoventilation syndrome. This condition develops when a significantly elevated BMI leads to chronic under-breathing. Over time, carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream while oxygen levels fall, placing continuous strain on the heart and lungs. Patients may experience profound daytime drowsiness, morning confusion, swollen legs and shortness of breath even at rest.
Without treatment, the condition can progress to pulmonary hypertension, right-sided heart failure and repeated hospital admissions. Those with very high BMI who have been declined surgery elsewhere due to clinical complexity are often at greatest risk.
At Blackrock WeightCare, we have extensive experience managing high-risk patients, particularly through advanced robotic bariatric approaches tailored for higher BMI categories.
Asthma and obesity are closely linked
Obesity increases the risk of developing asthma and is known to worsen asthma control in those already diagnosed. Excess adipose tissue contributes to systemic inflammation, which can aggravate airway inflammation. At the same time, reduced lung expansion due to increased abdominal and chest wall mass further compounds respiratory symptoms.
Many patients notice they rely more heavily on inhalers, experience more frequent exacerbations and gradually avoid exercise because of breathlessness. This can create a cycle where reduced activity contributes to further weight gain and poorer asthma control.
Evidence has shown that significant weight loss following bariatric surgery can lead to meaningful improvements in asthma control, fewer exacerbations and reduced dependence on medication. For many patients, improving weight is not just about numbers on a scale, but about breathing more freely and regaining confidence in daily life.
Can weight loss surgery improve respiratory health
Yes. Meaningful and sustained weight loss following bariatric surgery leads to:
- Improved lung volumes
- Better oxygenation
- Reduction or resolution of sleep apnoea
- Improved exercise capacity
For patients with very high BMI, robotic SADI-S has been particularly effective in achieving substantial weight loss, which is critical in reversing respiratory compromise.
Many patients describe the change simply. They can breathe comfortably again.
Breathing should not be a struggle
If breathlessness, snoring, or fatigue have become part of daily life, it may not simply be “getting older” or “being unfit”.
Untreated obesity can quietly damage respiratory health. The good news is that, in many cases, this damage can be improved or even reversed with significant weight loss.
If you are concerned about your breathing, or if you are a GP managing patients with complex obesity and respiratory complications, a specialist assessment can make a real difference. Click here and fill out the enquiry form or call 01 255 2479 to speak with our team.
Your Health. We Care.
