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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Sleep problems and major weight gain: a follow-up study.

P Lyytikäinen¹, T Lallukka, E Lahelma

¹Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. peppi.lyytikainen@helsinki.fi

International Journal of Obesity (2005)

|June 10, 2010

Summary

Sleep problems, particularly trouble falling or staying asleep, are linked to significant weight gain in middle-aged women. Addressing sleep issues is crucial for preventing obesity.

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Area of Science:

Public Health
Sleep Medicine
Obesity Research

Background:

Sleep disturbances are prevalent in middle-aged adults.
The relationship between specific sleep problems and substantial weight gain requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between sleep problems and major weight gain (≥5 kg) over a 5-7 year period in middle-aged men and women.

Main Methods:

Utilized data from the Helsinki Health Study, a prospective cohort of 8960 municipal employees (aged 40-60).
Employed logistic regression to analyze the correlation between the Jenkins Sleep Questionnaire and weight gain.
Follow-up data included 7332 participants.

Main Results:

25% of women and 24% of men experienced major weight gain.
In women, trouble falling asleep (OR 1.65), frequent nighttime awakenings (OR 1.49), and difficulty staying asleep (OR 1.41) were significantly associated with weight gain.
These associations persisted after adjusting for various confounding factors, including mental health.

Conclusions:

Sleep problems are a significant contributing factor to major weight gain.
Interventions targeting sleep disturbances may be essential for obesity prevention strategies.