Proof that smoking to slim down doesnt work

Obese women who smoke were less likely than others to perceive high-fat and sugary tastes. This may lead to overeating, according to a study by Washington University investigator M. Yanina Pepino, PhD.

"Obese people often crave high-fat foods," said Pepino. "Our findings suggest that having this intense craving but not perceiving fat and sweetness in food may lead these women to eat more.

The proof is in the pudding

Four groups of women, ages 21 to 41, were studied. The groups included obese smokers, obese non-smokers, smokers of normal weight and non-smokers of normal weight. The women tasted several vanilla puddings containing varying amounts of fat and were asked to rate them for sweetness and creaminess, a measure of fat content.

"Compared with the other three groups, smokers who were obese perceived less creaminess and sweetness," Pepino said. "They also derived less pleasure from tasting the puddings."

The findings imply that the ability to perceive fat and sweetness - and to derive pleasure from food - is compromised in female smokers who are obese, which could contribute to the consumption of more calories.

Interestingly, it was the combination of smoking and obesity that created something of a 'double-whammy' because smokers who were not overweight could perceive fat and sweetness similarly to women who did not smoke.

Smoking increases food cravings

Previous studies have linked smoking to increased food cravings and greater consumption of fat, regardless of whether a smoker is obese.

Studies also have found that smokers tend to have increased waist-to-hip ratios. That is, they tend to be shaped more like apples than pears, another risk factor for heart disease and metabolic problems.

"Women are much more likely than men to take up smoking as an aid to weight control," Pepino said. "But there is no good evidence showing that it helps maintain a healthy weight over the long term. And in the case of obese women who smoke, it appears the smoking may make things even worse than previously thought."

Recommended reading: What actually happens to your body when you smoke?

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