The harmful effects of smoking on our health are widely known, and a recent study has uncovered yet another reason to quit this dangerous habit: smoking may lead to an increase in abdominal fat, which is linked to serious diseases.
The study, published in the journal Addiction, found that both starting smoking and smoking over a lifetime were associated with an increase in abdominal fat. This increase may be in visceral fat, which is fat that surrounds our organs within the abdomen. While it’s normal and healthy for visceral fat to make up about 10% of our body weight, an excess of it can lead to inflammation and contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Germán Carrasquilla, the lead study author, explained that the location and interaction of visceral fat with our body’s functions make it particularly dangerous. This type of fat is strongly linked to various metabolic conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The study’s results highlight the urgent need for large-scale efforts to prevent and reduce smoking.
However, it’s important to note that the study’s findings, while strong, are not definitive. Other factors may contribute to the link between smoking and abdominal fat. For example, bad habits often tend to travel together, such as reaching for a pack of cigarettes when stressed or smoking alongside a beer. Nevertheless, quitting smoking has numerous overall health improvements, and public health interventions should continue to emphasize the benefits of smoking cessation.
The Implications for Public Health
This study’s findings have significant implications for public health efforts. Smoking cessation programs should be prioritized and made more accessible for smokers who want to quit. Alongside these programs, support helplines such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW can provide invaluable assistance.
However, quitting smoking is famously challenging, and individuals who live with smokers or have smoking friends may find it harder to quit. Strategies that actively remove triggers and temptations, as well as finding alternative coping mechanisms for stress, can greatly aid in the quitting process.
Exercise as a Potential Aid
Exercise has shown to not only reduce stress but also assist in quitting smoking. Incorporating 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical