Smoking Cigarettes Can Promote Harmful Belly Fat

A recent study found that smoking cigarettes can increase levels of a type of fat associated with a serious illness. The study published in the journal Addiction shows that smoking leads to an increase in visceral fat that surrounds the abdomen. While it's normal for visceral fat to make up about 10% of body fat, an excessive amount can lead to inflammation and chronic diseases. Its location and how it interacts with our body's functions make it particularly dangerous. This type of fat is closely linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders," said study author Dr. Germán Carrasquilla. Researchers used an analysis called Mendelian randomization, which leverages genetic differences to examine how behaviors lead to specific outcomes. There is no indication that quitting smoking reduces belly fat, but experts say this shouldn't deter you from quitting smoking. One of the key tips for smoking cessation is to swap cigarettes for exercise to relieve stress.