Smokers were found to be twice as likely to skip meals and more prone to prolonged periods without food. They also exhibited fewer meals per day and struggled more with leaving food uneaten on their plates, said a study, conducted by researchers from Loughborough University and the University of Leicester.
Furthermore, smokers showed a decreased likelihood of snacking between meals and consuming sweet foods, but were more inclined towards fried food consumption and adding salt and sugar to their meals.
UNDERSTANDING THE STUDY
The study, presented in Venice, Italy, analyzed data from over 80,000 adults in the United Kingdom. Researchers explored the associations between smoking status and various eating and dietary behaviours using data collected between 2004 and 2022. Participants were divided into two groups: smokers and non-smokers, with factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and body mass index (BMI) taken into account.
IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS
The findings underscore the importance of providing nutritional and weight management support to smokers, particularly those attempting to quit. The researchers emphasize the common concern of weight gain among smokers and highlight the need for targeted interventions to address unhealthy dietary behaviours associated with smoking cessation. Lead author Arwa Alruwaili stresses the potential benefits of promoting healthier eating habits alongside smoking cessation efforts, aiming to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the risk of associated diseases.
LIMITATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The study acknowledges certain limitations, including its observational nature, which precludes establishing causality between smoking and altered eating habits. Additionally, factors such as psychological health and physical activity levels were not fully accounted for in the analyses, potentially influencing the results. Moreover, reliance on self-reported eating habits introduces the possibility of recall bias, warranting cautious interpretation of the findings.
The study’s findings underscore the multifaceted challenges faced by smokers, highlighting the intricate interplay between smoking, eating habits, and weight management. By recognizing the link between smoking and unhealthy dietary behaviours, policymakers and healthcare professionals can tailor interventions to support smokers in adopting healthier lifestyles and mitigating the adverse effects of smoking cessation on weight gain.
