March 21st 2024.
According to new research, smoking has been found to have a surprising effect on our bodies - it can lead to an increase in visceral fat. This type of fat is hidden deep inside our abdomen and has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and dementia. So, contrary to popular belief, smoking is not a way to stay thin.
The study, which was published in the journal Addiction, involved researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. They used a form of statistical analysis called Mendelian randomisation to determine whether smoking has a causative effect on abdominal fat. This analysis combined the results from various genetic studies to look for a correlation between smoking and increased levels of visceral fat.
The results of the study showed that both starting to smoke and smoking throughout one's lifetime can cause an increase in belly fat. Even if a smoker appears to have a flat stomach, they could still have unhealthy levels of visceral fat, putting them at risk for serious health issues. The researchers also looked at previous studies on smoking habits and body fat distribution, and their findings confirmed that smoking can lead to an increase in visceral fat, not just the fat under the skin.
The study involved over 1.2 million people who started smoking and more than 450,000 lifetime smokers. Additionally, the researchers also looked at over 600,000 people to study body fat distribution. To determine the link between smoking and body fat distribution, the researchers used genetic information to identify which genes are associated with smoking and body fat. They then compared this information to see if there was a correlation between the two.
The results of the study showed that smoking can lead to an increase in belly fat, as seen by a higher waist-to-hip ratio. This increase in fat is more likely to be visceral fat, rather than subcutaneous fat. Lead author Dr. Germán Carrasquilla explained that previous studies on this topic were prone to confounding variables, which can affect the results. However, this study's design using genetic variations helped to reduce or control for these variables, making the findings more reliable.
Dr. Carrasquilla also emphasized the importance of large-scale efforts to prevent and reduce smoking in the general population. By doing so, not only can we reduce the risk of smoking-related illnesses, but it can also indirectly help to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases associated with increased levels of visceral fat. In conclusion, smoking to stay thin is a thing of the past, and it is crucial to prioritize efforts to quit smoking for the sake of our overall health.
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