Final answer:
Obesity is a risk factor for developing sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by breathing pauses during sleep. Sleep apnea is more common in overweight individuals and is often associated with loud snoring. Anyone who snores loudly or gasps for air while sleeping should be checked for sleep apnea.
Step-by-step explanation:
Obesity is a risk factor for developing sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes during which a sleeper's breathing stops. These episodes can last 10-20 seconds or longer and often are associated with brief periods of arousal. Sleep apnea is much more common in overweight people and is often associated with loud snoring. Anyone, regardless of their weight, who snores loudly or gasps for air while sleeping, should be checked for sleep apnea.