Snoring is a sound produced by the vibration of the upper airway structures during sleep. Although it's often considered a minor problem, it can be a sign of more serious conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that obese people accumulate fat in their tongues, especially at the base, which increases their volume and promotes airway obstruction. Research in medical journals has confirmed this association.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania observed that obese patients with OSA had larger tongues with higher fat content compared to obese patients without apnea. Losing about 10% of their body weight significantly reduced tongue fat and improved apnea rates.
Specialists recommend initial measures such as weight loss, reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption, and improving sleep hygiene. In severe cases, devices such as CPAP, which prevent breathing pauses during the night, are used.
The experts conclude that persistent snoring should not be ignored. Identifying factors such as obesity and increased tongue fat allows for more effective treatment and prevention of complications such as pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.
Recommended Video: Snoring Explained by Dr. Baiter
Colombian physician Dr. Baiter published a video clearly explaining what snoring is, its most common causes, and when it can become a health problem like sleep apnea.
In his explanation, he explains that upper airway obstruction can be due to a deviated nasal septum, tonsils, or an enlarged tongue, and that in cases of obstructive sleep apnea, the use of CPAP is essential. He also emphasizes that weight loss, quitting alcohol, tobacco, and sedatives are basic measures to improve sleep quality.
Video credit: Dr. Baiter's YouTube channel.
Sources cited:
1) PennMedicine. Losing Tongue Fat Improves Sleep Apnea. https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/losing-tongue-fat-improves-sleep-apnea
2) Kim AM et al. Tongue Fat and its Relationship to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4173920/
3) 2025 Meta-analysis on tongue volume and apnea. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12023004/
4) American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Study shows that tongue size and fat may predict sleep apnea risk. https://aasm.org/study-shows-that-tongue-size-and-fat-may-predict-sleep-apnea-risk-in-obese-adults/
5) Dr. Baiter. Video: What is snoring and how to treat it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTivi4Ujsps