A woman experienced a sudden weight gain of 40lbs within six months, despite maintaining her usual diet and exercise routine. Lex Banach, aged 29, faced confusion and frustration as the pounds piled on, leading to brain fog and extreme fatigue. After seeking medical advice, she discovered she had been suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnoea for three years. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lex adopted the use of a CPAP machine, resulting in a remarkable weight loss of 60lbs over a year.
Expressing her relief, Lex shared, “I felt bewildered for years not understanding my body’s changes. I diligently followed my nutrition and workout plans, yet the weight kept increasing.” She disclosed her long-standing issues with snoring and mouth breathing, which her doctor attributed to the weight gain being linked to sleep apnoea.
Despite maintaining her fitness regimen and achieving her desired weight of 160lbs in 2020, Lex found herself unexpectedly gaining 40lbs in the subsequent six months beginning early 2021. Puzzled by the unexplained weight gain, she discontinued her birth control pill in 2022, suspecting it as a cause.
Her weight gain continued, accompanied by brain fog, fatigue, and impulse control challenges, leading her to seek therapy. The doctor’s evaluation revealed signs of anxiety and depression alongside the presence of sleep apnoea. To investigate further, a sleep study was conducted, detecting multiple interruptions in her sleep pattern, resulting in a diagnosis of mild sleep apnoea.
Recognizing the impact of disrupted sleep on metabolism and energy levels, Lex was prescribed a CPAP machine in June 2023 to aid her breathing during sleep. Following the treatment, she witnessed significant improvements, shedding 60lbs and achieving a weight of 140lbs by the end of the year. A subsequent assessment in February 2024 confirmed the reversal of her sleep apnoea.
Unfortunately, due to financial constraints and lack of health insurance, Lex had to return the CPAP machine in April 2024. By May 2025, she experienced a recurrence of sleep apnoea symptoms, resulting in a weight gain of 20lbs. Despite the setback, Lex is managing her symptoms through meditation and yoga, striving to maintain her well-being without access to medical equipment.