Medical illustration showing an obese person struggling to breathe, with transparent lungs, 'Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrom' text, and a city skyline background.

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a condition where excessive body weight leads to reduced breathing effort, resulting in low levels of oxygen and high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Causes: Obesity: Excess body fat puts pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, making it harder to breathe. Reduced ventilatory drive: OHS patients have a decreased response to carbon dioxide, which normally stimulates breathing. Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea, a common condition in obese individuals, can further worsen breathing during sleep. See more