Untreated sleep apnea may impair driving

And fat people are more likely to get sleep apnea.

"People with untreated sleep apnea may be less alert behind the wheel, and more vulnerable to the effects of sleep loss and alcohol, than healthy drivers, a study published Monday suggests.

The findings, say researchers, suggest that people with the nighttime breathing disorder should be especially careful about avoiding alcohol and getting enough rest before hitting the road.

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a disorder in which the tissues at the back of the throat temporarily collapse during sleep, causing repeated stops and starts in breathing during the night. This leads to poor-quality sleep and, often, daytime drowsiness.

It's estimated that traffic accidents related to OSA cause 1,400 fatalities in the U.S. each year."

Go here and stop letting the fat imperil you and those you love.