Researchers show smoking makes the belly significantly thicker

Waist circumference tends to be increased by smoking
Many smokers are anxious to gain weight after weaning and therefore refrain from attempting to quit smoking. However, a recent study by an international research team led by Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow shows that smoking is actually more associated with increased waist circumference. A quit smoking could therefore even lead to a reduced waist circumference. The scientists published their findings in the journal British Medical Journal (BMJ).

Smoking increases the waist circumference. (Image: Gelpi / fotolia.com)

Based on the data of 148,731 subjects from 29 previous studies, the scientists analyzed possible relationships between body mass index, waist circumference and tobacco consumption. They found that - contrary to the assumption of many smokers - the consumption of tobacco had a higher waist circumference. Consequently, smoking cessation could also make sense in terms of figure problems. On the other hand, the threat of weight problems is unsuitable as a reason for continuing tobacco consumption.

More fat deposits in the abdominal area
Analysis of data from 66,809 subjects who have never smoked, 43,009 former smokers and 38,913 current tobacco consumers have shown that cigarette consumption is clearly associated with increased waist circumference, the researchers report. Even with the same weight gain, the smokers show more fat deposits in the abdominal area than non-smokers, explain Sattar and colleagues. The continuation of smoking, in an effort to control the weight, could eventually even lead to the development of "central obesity" or increased fat deposits in the abdominal area. (Fp)