Obesity and Smoking Carry Similar Health Risks
Researchers in Sweden recently wrapped up a 38-year-long study, which followed the lives of 45,000 Swedish army recruits ages 16 to 19. The study revealed that those who smoked between one and ten cigarettes a day had the same health risk as recruits the same age who were overweight. More notably, however, recruits who smoked more than ten cigarettes doubled their risk of premature death –the same rate as for recruits who were obese. And those who were both obese and smoked more than ten cigarettes were five times more likely to die early than non-smokers who maintained a healthy weight.
In essence, the researchers noted that being overweight or obese is just as hazardous to a teen’s health as being a light or heavy smoker, respectively. So, whether it’s Mars Bars or Marlboros – too much of either one can send you to an early grave.
