A 20 year study conducted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center found it is better to be an overweight ex-smoker than a normal weight smoker. Dr. Mohammad Siahpush is a professor at the College of Public Health and the principle investigator of this study and says don’t let the risk of gaining a few pounds prevent you from breaking the habit.
The study shows that in women the risk of dying was 26% lower in obese ex-smokers than normal weight smokes and among men the risk was 37% lower. About 53,000 people took part in the study.
Siahpush says even though there is a risk of gaining weight, breaking the habit is still a healthier option.
Dr. Siahpush says we also need to keep in mind that being overweight or obese puts ex-smokers at risk for a variety of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and various types of cancer.
