Non-smoking women are more likely to be obese and die of associated illnesses than those who smoke, according to research. About 8,000 women were recruited to the Renfrew and Paisley study from 1972 to 1976. Of these, 40 per cent had never smoked. The authors, led by Dr Laurence Gruer from NHS Health Scotland, found 60 per cent of non-smokers were overweight or obese, compared with 40 per cent of those who smoked. The study claimed extra weight acted as a major contributor to premature death. However, experts stressed that smoking was a "much stronger" risk factor than obesity. The study of women aged 45 to 64, published in the British Medical Journal, said the highest rate of obesity among non-smokers was found in low income groups. Almost 70 per cent of women in this category were overweight or obese, according to the research.
Dr Gruer said: "You can certainly assume that if you are obese, you are more likely to die of things like diabetes, heart attacks and strokes." Researchers also suggested declining numbers of female smokers over the past few decades may have had a direct impact on obesity levels-with fewer people using cigarettes in an attempt to suppress their appetites. The study also found that non-smokers from a lower occupational group were no more likely to die early if they lived a healthy lifestyle. Dr Gruer said: "If you never smoke and you keep your weight within the reasonable limit then even if you earn below average income and live in a more disadvantaged area, you can still expect to live a long and healthy life.
"You are not doomed to die early just because you happen not to have a high income or good job or live in a leafy suburb. "It goes against the idea that if you live in a poor neighbourhood or came from a working class background, then your health will be worse, regardless." Prof Johan Mackenbach from the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam welcomed the study but added: "It is important not to forget that smoking is a much stronger risk factor for mortality than most other risk factors, including obesity."
The dangers of obesity
Studies have shown obesity in teenagers continues to grow. It all starts with the lack of a healthy eating program and daily exercise. Some very serious disorders and diseases are directly attributable to the dangers of obesity and include:
• Cancers
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Respiratory difficulties
• Sleep apnea
• Joint problems
And that doesn't even touch the psychological effects of obesity. Kids and adults who suffer with obesity often have serious emotional problems such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, which can lead to unsafe behaviour like alcohol and drug abuse, risky sexual conduct, and even suicide.
The dangers of smoking
Smoking can cause number of smoke related diseases. Over a period of time a smoker will be more likely to develop:
• Cancers of the lips, mouth, throat and larynx
• Cancer of the esophagus
• Sore throat
• Reduced sense of taste
• Smokey breath
• Discoloration and stains on teeth
• Plaque
• Loose teeth
• Gum disease (gingivitis)
• Poor circulation(cold fingers)
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Tar stained fingers
Smokers often experience a reduction in stamina, display poor athletic performance, and wheeze and cough. (BBC)
