A woman named Lex Banach, aged 29, faced an unexpected weight gain of 40lbs within six months despite maintaining her diet and exercise routine. Initially baffled by the sudden change in her body, she later discovered that she had been suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnoea for three years. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lex embarked on a journey to address her health issues by using a CPAP machine, which led to a remarkable weight loss of 60lbs in a year.
Expressing her relief at finally understanding the root cause of her weight gain, Lex shared, “I felt insane for years because I didn’t know what was going on with my body. I was so confused; I was following the same nutrition plan and doing the same workouts.” Her doctor linked the weight gain to her undiagnosed sleep apnoea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing patterns during sleep.
Having a deep interest in fitness, Lex had successfully shed 20lbs in 2020, reaching her desired weight of 160lbs. However, in early 2021, she experienced a rapid weight gain of 40lbs despite no apparent changes in her lifestyle. Perplexed by this sudden shift, she decided to discontinue the use of birth control pills in 2022 to investigate potential causes of her weight gain, only to find no significant improvement.
Struggling with symptoms like brain fog, extreme fatigue, and impulse control issues, Lex sought medical help and was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and recurring sleep apnoea. Recognizing the severe implications of untreated sleep apnoea, including mood swings and increased fatigue, Lex underwent a sleep study that confirmed her condition.
To address her sleep apnoea, which contributed to weight gain through disrupted sleep patterns and hormonal imbalances, Lex was prescribed a CPAP machine. With consistent use, she witnessed a transformation in her body, losing 60lbs and achieving a weight of 140lbs within a year. Despite the positive progress, the return of symptoms in May 2025 due to lack of health insurance has posed new challenges for Lex. However, she remains resilient, managing her symptoms through meditation and yoga while navigating this health setback.
