While many people have questioned the link between smoking and weight loss, there is also evidence that suggests that nicotine can help with weight loss – specifically in those individuals who are mostly inactive. Let’s take a closer look.
The Link Between Smoking & Weight Loss
Many people who smoke report that it helps them relax and reduces their appetite. While it’s not difficult to assume that these two benefits alone would make a person lose weight, there is evidence that suggests otherwise. For example, a study from the United Kingdom investigated whether or not there was a link between smoking and weight loss, and whether or not this link was different in men and women. The results of this study suggested that while there was no significant difference in the rate of weight loss between those who smoked and those who didn’t, heavy smokers experienced a greater percentage of weight loss than those who were lighter or non-smokers. Additionally, men who smoked were more likely to experience a weight loss advantage than women, who were more likely to retain weight even when they smoked. This study, however, was limited in that it only followed participants for a short period of time, and didn’t examine changes in body composition or fat distribution – both of which could have important health ramifications. Still, it does suggest that there may be a link between smoking and weight loss, but it’s not necessarily a negative one.
Does Nicotine Aid In Appetite Control?
One of the things that people who smoke do to help control their appetite is to use nicotine inhalers or gum, or they may just snack on peanuts or potato chips. While there is no disputing that these are effective tools for helping someone control their appetite, there is also evidence that suggests that nicotine may not be as helpful for some individuals as others. For example, a study from Japan investigated whether or not people who used smokeless tobacco lost more weight than those who didn’t, and whether or not this difference was attributed to genetic factors. The results of this study showed that those who used tobacco products experienced a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference – all of which are measures of obesity. While this study was unable to determine causality, it does suggest that smoking may be linked to better appetite control and subsequent weight loss. Some individuals may also be more sensitive to the effects of nicotine than others, meaning that a smaller dose may be required to achieve similar results.
Does Nicotine Increase Motivation To Exercise?
Exercise is another important factor that people who smoke take into consideration when trying to lose weight. For those who are inactive, getting moving may be difficult, as it usually requires motivation and determination – two things that many people who smoke lack. Still, there is evidence that suggests that nicotine can boost one’s motivation to exercise. A study from the United Kingdom examined whether or not adding nicotine to an individual’s workout routine would increase their motivation to exercise, and the findings were promising. After six weeks of participating in this study, the participants experienced a significant increase in their levels of physical activity, as measured by the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT. Because this study was able to link weight loss to increased physical activity, it suggests that nicotine may play a role in facilitating weight loss via an increase in physical activity. Still, this isn’t a given and more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Rethinking The Negativity Around Smoking & Weight Loss
It’s important to remember that not all studies about smoking and weight loss have been negative. A review of the existing literature suggests that while there may be a link between the two, it’s more likely that the correlation is coincidental and not causative. Still, it’s an oversimplification to say that all studies about the subject have been negative, and it’s important to keep this in mind when considering the broader implications of the research.
Often times, people who smoke are subjected to a slew of negativity – from being fat-shamed to being told that they’re going to end up in hospital from their habit. While these beliefs may have been prevalent in the past, it’s important to keep in mind that they’re just that – beliefs. Just because studies have shown a connection between smoking and weight loss doesn’t mean that it’s negative in every case. There are several possible explanations for the correlation, but it doesn’t mean that it’s perfectly negative either. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at some of the reasons why the link may exist, but that it’s probably not as simple as black vs. white.
Lack Of Awareness
Many people who are inactive don’t even know that they should be losing weight, much less what the ideal weight should be. This can make it difficult for them to determine whether or not they’re actually overweight, or just seem that way because they’re inactive. Perhaps it’s time to increase the general public’s awareness around these issues.
Inactivity
Just because someone isn’t active, it doesn’t mean that they’re automatically overweight. One of the most fundamental issues that drives the correlation between smoking and weight loss is inactivity. It’s well-established that most people who smoke are less likely to be physically active, and it’s likely that this is the result of genetics more so than environment. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that lack of physical activity can contribute to obesity. If you’re inactive, it’s likely that your weight is also going to be high, which means that you’re more vulnerable to the effects of smoking. This makes it even more imperative for you to take a stand against this dangerous habit.
In many cases, people who aren’t physically active may not even realize that they’re gaining weight, as it can be difficult to establish an accurate body weight when you’re inactive. This may be one of the reasons why studies have shown a connection between smoking and weight loss – because many people don’t even know that they’re gaining weight, even though their weight may be creeping up. This is something that needs to change, and it’s an important factor that needs to be considered whenever someone questions the link between the two. It doesn’t mean that it’s negative, it just means that it’s more complicated than it seems on the surface.
Nutrition
While genetic factors may play a role in establishing an individual’s weight, the way that they consume food is also likely to have an effect. Those who don’t eat the right foods may struggle with their weight issue, which makes it even more important for them to pay attention to what they put in their bodies. Many people who smoke show signs of poor nutrition, as they’re likely to eat fast food and consume caffeine-laden drinks. These are both unhealthy habits that can wreak havoc on one’s body, especially if they’re done frequently enough. It’s no secret that fast food is dangerous, and it’s high in calories, fat, and cholesterol, all of which can elevate one’s blood pressure and contribute to heart disease. Caffeine is another important factor to consider, as it can interfere with one’s sleep and digestion, both of which can lead to weight gain. It’s no wonder why many people who don’t eat the right foods and get enough sleep are more likely to struggle with their weight issue. If you’re not making the right food choices and getting the proper amount of sleep, it may be difficult to lose weight regardless of whether or not you smoke.
Genetics
As mentioned earlier, it’s not always easy to establish a direct link between smoking and weight loss. This is primarily because there are several different factors that may be responsible for the correlation. One of the most fundamental reasons that the link exists is due to genetics. As previously stated, it is well-established that most people who smoke are less likely to be physically active, and this may be the result of genetics more so than environment. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that even those who are active may be more likely to gain weight if they smoke. The truth is that no one factor, whether genetic or environmental, can fully account for the correlation between smoking and weight loss. It’s likely that a combination of these factors, along with several others, play a role in the creation of a someone’s unique weight profile.
It is also important to remember that just because studies have shown a connection between smoking and weight loss doesn’t mean that it’s negative in every case. There are several possible explanations for the correlation, but it doesn’t mean that it’s perfectly negative either. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at some of the reasons why the link may exist, but that it’s probably not as simple as black vs. white.
Lack Of Awareness
Many people who are inactive don’t even know that they should be losing weight, much less what the ideal weight should be. This can make it difficult for them to determine whether or not they’re actually overweight, or just seem that way because they’re inactive. Perhaps it’s time to increase the general public’s awareness around these issues.