Question:
Has anyone noticed a correlation between obesity & chronic fatigue syndrome?

I have not been diagnosed with CFS, but lately it seems like I cannot get enough sleep. It is highly unlikely that I am pregnant b/c I am on the pill. I sleep for 10-12 hours at night, am up for 4-5 hrs & then feel like taking a nap. My consultation with the surgeon is not until April, that is a very long time to wait for someone who is sick of being fat. Maybe I am just depressed?? I am already taking Paxil to help me deal with issues with my in-laws. I guess what my question is... if you are obese are you more likely to suffer from chronic fatigue & depression? Thanks for letting me vent. You guys are the best!    — sgeisendorff (posted on February 4, 2001)

February 4, 2001
Hey, just wanted to give you a little encouragement. I believe CFS is a difficult to diagnose problem...But I believe that obesity would definetly be a contributing factor. Don't let your wait get you down! I know what that feels like, and I've only been waiting for 2 weeks to see the doctor. Just keep going, you'll make it. E-mail me if you need to talk!
   — Donna S. C.

February 4, 2001
You know, bein fat makes you plain tired. It sounds like depression but you're being treated for that (I take Paxil too)...but what it could be is sleep apnea. Do you snore? Do you wake up every now and then (or more often) gasping for air? I would sleep all through the night and wake up dead tired...sometimes with the WORST headaches! And I'd fall asleep at red lights, swerved more often that I care to mention and almost hit other cars, would almost fall asleep at my terminal at work, would sleep on my breaks, fell asleep at church within 30 seconds of bowing my head to pray!!! (My friend elbowed me because apparently I was snoring). I would come home and nap. I wasn't very social.... I WAS SLEEP DEPRIVED!! Have you thought about that?
   — Marie L.

February 4, 2001
I know how you feel because I am also going through the same thing. I find myself wanting to nod off to sleep all the time. The doctor asked me if I had ever been diagnosed with sleep apnea. My husband describes how I snore in my sleep, and it sounds like I have it. Good luck to you.
   — Emma Lee D.

February 5, 2001
I agree with Marie ... lugging around 150 pounds or so of extra weight is enough to exhaust anybody. Having to wear clothes that are the size of a circus tent and almost as stylish would depress Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. Besides, the morbidly obese have a higher incidence of sleep apnea than the regular-size population, and sleep apnea can't be diagnosed definitively without a sleep study. But, if you're tired all the time, I'd think it's more likely to be some degree of apnea than CFS, which is (I think) quite rare. It's also dragging around extra weight, and getting restless with waiting for your consultation, and your in-laws (I hear you about that one, sister!). Your fatigue will likely decrease dramatically post-op. I used to nap for a MINIMUM of three to four hours EVERY Saturday and Sunday (made for great interaction with my kids on the two days of the week we had to spend together) pre-op. Now, I like to lie in bed and read -- but I READ, I don't nap, unless I'm sick. It's almost like I CAN'T nap anymore. I probably don't need to, because I'm sleeping better at night -- moderate sleep apnea completely gone, along with my type II diabetes and 120 pounds since last April 17. Courage, my dear -- this, too, shall pass. Warm skinny supportive thoughts always,
   — Cheryl Denomy

February 6, 2001
Have you ever had your thyroid gland checked? You could be hypothyroid. Is your skin really dry? Hard time concentrating? Sore throat a lot? Swollen glands in throat? Slow to heal, if you get a cut or scrape? Have your doctor do a simple blood test, to see what your tsh levels are.
   — Dhelynn

February 8, 2001
Many years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. This condition has a lot of similarities to CFS, especially the fatigue. I know that the doctors could only recommend that I exercise and eat better. This was pretty familiar advice and not very helpful. I also suffer from chronic depression which is often accompanied by sleep disturbances. I'm almost positive that after the surgery these problems will be eased. Sleep Apnea as others have mentioned is also a real possibility. The problem is that all the doctors do is tell you to lose weight and put you anti-depressants. My only advice is don't let the doctors control you or get you down. Be good to yourself and pace yourself and be proud of every step. We're here for you.
   — kcanges