Is Obesity Worse Than Smoking?
by Jacque Butler
Comparing obesity to smoking may seem odd, but the growing concern over negative health effects associated with weight gain may give reason to make such a comparison. From 1993 to 2008, obesity increased by 85%. This massive increase can have a major impact on health and quality of life.
Yet, is obesity as detrimental to your health as smoking? A recent study suggests obesity may have an even greater effect on health. While obesity has escalated, the number of adult smokers has dropped by 18.5%.
Researchers from Columbia University used data from the 1993-2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which interviewed 3.5 million adults to understand physical and mental health among this population. The researchers used this data to understand the role of obesity and smoking on quality of life. They found obesity was equal to, or possibly greater than, smoking in decreasing quality of life. Smoking has a primary impact on death, but obesity has a greater effect on the development of disease leading to mortality.
Obesity has been linked to many health complications, including cardivascular disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cancer. Fortunately, through dietary modifications, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices, these risks can be lowered. It takes motivation and support to make the necessary changes, but reducing weight to normal levels can have a positive impact on health and quality living.
Reference
Jia H, Lubetkin EI. Trends in quality-adjusted life-years lost contributed by smoking and obesity. Amer J of Prevent Med. 2010 Feb; 38(2).
