Study Shows Smoking Linked to Belly Fat
A study published today in the American Heart Association's online journal Circulation showed that exposure to cigarette smoke among teenagers raises the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is associated with excess belly fat and increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The researchers studied 2,273 teenagers, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Survey. Results of the study found that 6 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds had metabolic syndrome, with the prevalence of the syndrome increasing with exposure to tobacco smoke. Only 1 percent of teens not exposed to tobacco smoke had metabolic syndrome. However, 5 percent of those exposed to secondhand smoke had metabolic syndrome, and 9 percent of active smokers had the disorder.
The risk of developing metabolic disorder was even greater among teens who were overweight or at risk of being overweight. Overweight or at-risk teenagers who were exposed to secondhand smoke had a 20 percent risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The risk rose to 24 percent for overweight teenagers who were active smokers.
According to the study design, metabolic syndrome was defined as having at least three of five characteristics that help define metabolic syndrome. These characteristics are high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, low levels of good cholesterol, a large waist, and evidence of insulin resistance. Triglycerides are fats that are transported in the bloodstream. Insulin resistance is a sign that the body cannot efficiently use insulin and handle glucose. Those with insulin resistance are at higher risk of developing diabetes.
No one is sure exactly what it is about smoking that makes teenagers susceptible to metabolic syndrome. However, we do know that smoking has been linked to insulin resistance in adults. In addition, smoking can lower levels of good cholesterol and can raise blood pressure.
The bottom line? Numerous studies have shown the risks associated with cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. Likewise, studies have also demonstrated the health effects of obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Now it appears that the two may be linked and that smoking adds to the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which can have serious health consequences.
A study published today in the American Heart Association's online journal Circulation showed that exposure to cigarette smoke among teenagers raises the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is associated with excess belly fat and increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The researchers studied 2,273 teenagers, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Survey. Results of the study found that 6 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds had metabolic syndrome, with the prevalence of the syndrome increasing with exposure to tobacco smoke. Only 1 percent of teens not exposed to tobacco smoke had metabolic syndrome. However, 5 percent of those exposed to secondhand smoke had metabolic syndrome, and 9 percent of active smokers had the disorder.
The risk of developing metabolic disorder was even greater among teens who were overweight or at risk of being overweight. Overweight or at-risk teenagers who were exposed to secondhand smoke had a 20 percent risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The risk rose to 24 percent for overweight teenagers who were active smokers.
According to the study design, metabolic syndrome was defined as having at least three of five characteristics that help define metabolic syndrome. These characteristics are high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, low levels of good cholesterol, a large waist, and evidence of insulin resistance. Triglycerides are fats that are transported in the bloodstream. Insulin resistance is a sign that the body cannot efficiently use insulin and handle glucose. Those with insulin resistance are at higher risk of developing diabetes.
No one is sure exactly what it is about smoking that makes teenagers susceptible to metabolic syndrome. However, we do know that smoking has been linked to insulin resistance in adults. In addition, smoking can lower levels of good cholesterol and can raise blood pressure.
The bottom line? Numerous studies have shown the risks associated with cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. Likewise, studies have also demonstrated the health effects of obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Now it appears that the two may be linked and that smoking adds to the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which can have serious health consequences.
posted by txo at
4:47 PM
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