The Impact of Smoking on Abdominal Fat
For many smokers, the fear of gaining weight is a convenient excuse to avoid quitting. However, a recent study published in the scientific journal Addiction reveals that both starting smoking and smoking over a lifetime may lead to an increase in abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat. This dangerous type of fat is located deep within the abdomen and has been linked to a higher risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and dementia.
The Link Between Smoking and Abdominal Fat
Despite being known to have lower body weights than non-smokers, smokers tend to have more abdominal fat, including visceral fat. This type of fat is not easily visible, meaning that even individuals with a seemingly flat stomach may have unhealthy levels of it, putting them at risk for various illnesses. This new study provides further evidence that smoking may be a contributing factor to the increase of visceral fat.
Investigating the Relationship
Researchers at the NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, utilized a statistical analysis method known as Mendelian randomization (MR) to determine the potential causal relationship between smoking and abdominal fat increase. By combining data from multiple genetic studies, the researchers were able to identify any potential connections between smoking and body fat distribution. The study examined various genetic markers associated with smoking behaviors and body fat distribution, such as waist-hip ratio and waist and hip circumferences.
The Role of Genetics
Through this approach, the researchers discovered that individuals with genetic predispositions to smoking were more likely to have different body fat distributions. Moreover, after accounting for other external factors such as alcohol consumption and socioeconomic status, the study found that smoking may have a direct influence on the increase of abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat.
Examining the Results
Lead author Dr. Germán D. Carrasquilla explains, "Our study demonstrates that starting to smoke and smoking over a lifetime may lead to an increase in belly fat, particularly visceral fat. We also found that this type of fat, which is linked to various chronic diseases, is more likely to increase in smokers compared to non-smokers."
The Importance of Smoking Cessation Efforts
The results of this study are significant as they provide evidence that smoking may contribute to an increase in visceral fat regardless of other factors. This highlights the importance of implementing large-scale initiatives to prevent and reduce smoking in the general population, which may also help to decrease visceral fat and, consequently, reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with it.
Focusing on Visceral Fat
By examining the relationship between smoking habits and body fat distribution, the researchers determined that the excess abdominal fat in smokers is primarily visceral fat. This finding was confirmed by studying the DNA variants linked to smoking behaviors and body fat distribution in different parts of the body. The key takeaway from this study is that these genetic factors are more strongly associated with an increase in visceral fat, the deep fat surrounding the abdominal organs, than with subcutaneous fat stored under the skin.
Comprehensive Studies
The two genetic studies used in this research were comprehensive, including over 1.6 million individuals who started smoking and over 600,000 individuals with varying body fat distributions. These findings provide valuable insight into the negative impact of smoking on abdominal fat levels and reinforce the importance of smoking cessation efforts to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.