A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that smoking, both starting and lifetime, may actually increase abdominal fat, debunking the myth that smoking helps keep weight off. The study looked at genetic data on smoking and abdominal obesity in over one and a half million Europeans. Researchers found that smoking increases visceral fat, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and dementia. This challenges the misconception that smoking leads to weight loss and emphasizes the health risks associated with smoking.
The study took into account factors like alcohol intake and socioeconomic status to ensure that any relationship observed between smoking and belly fat was directly related to smoking. The researchers found a causal relationship between smoking and increased abdominal fat, concluding that smoking does not necessarily keep smokers thin. Dr. Germán Carrasquilla, the study’s lead author, highlighted the health benefits of quitting smoking beyond potential changes in body fat distribution. He encouraged those looking to quit smoking to focus on the numerous health benefits associated with quitting rather than just body fat distribution.
The study is based on the combination of data from two European ancestry studies: one on smoking and another on body fat distribution. The research offers new insights into the negative impact of smoking on abdominal fat and overall health. The findings can be motivating for smokers who may be afraid to quit due to the fear of gaining weight. By highlighting the health risks associated with smoking, particularly the increased risk of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic conditions, the study provides further evidence of the importance of quitting smoking for overall well-being.
The study suggests that quitting smoking has numerous health benefits beyond potential changes in body fat distribution. The researchers emphasize the importance of focusing on the overall health risks associated with smoking rather than just the fear of gaining weight. By reinforcing existing evidence of the detrimental effects of smoking on health, the study provides motivation for smokers to quit in order to reduce the risk of developing serious diseases related to increased abdominal fat. Overall, the study highlights the importance of quitting smoking for improving overall health and well-being.
