Obesity Catching Up to Smoking in Shortening Life

Obesity and smoking are both risk factors that can shorten life span and lessen the quality of life, causing disease and illness. Smoking was the major lifestyle habit that caused diseases responsible for shortening the life span, but obesity is catching up as a factor that causes illness. This is not because smoking has become less dangerous and obesity more dangerous, but is because there is a higher percentage of people who are obese and the percentage of smokers has gone down.

As the proportion of smokers goes down and the proportion of obesity climbs, the two lifestyle related health risks are becoming a more equal threat to health. Obesity and smoking are both related to lifestyle and can be managed by modifying behavior and changing lifestyle habits. A physician can offer support and referrals to experts who can help you to quit smoking and to assist with weight loss.

According to research released by the Columbia University and City College of New York, years lost due to obesity are equal to the years lost due to smoking.

During the time period between the years of 1993 and 2008, the percentage of smokers in the population has gone down 8.5% During that same time period the of obese people has has increased 85%. Study information indicated that smoking caused more deaths while obesity caused more illness.

Smoking is a risk factor for several serious diseases, including heart disease, cancer, bronchitis, emphysema, aneurysms, strokes and other cancers. According to The American Cancer Society, tobacco use is responsible for nearly 20% of the deaths in the United States.

The health risks related to obesity include cancer, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, vein disease, gallbladder disease, breathing problems, arthritis, risky pregnancy and deep vein thrombosis.

Stopping smoking and losing weight are beneficial to good health, but can be difficult to accomplish. A physician can offer advice, support and referrals to experts who may be about to help to bring about change. Treatments may include behavior modification, support groups, nutritional support and exercise.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a concern about a medical condition, please consult a physician.

Resources:

The article is "Trends in Quality-Adjusted Life-Years Lost Contributed by Smoking and Obesity" by Haomiao Jia, PhD, and Erica I. Lubetkin, MD, MPH. The article appears in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 38, Issue 2 (February 2010) published by Elsevier

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