Epidemiol Health.  2016;38:e2016020. 10.4178/epih.e2016020.

Associations of smoking with overall obesity, and central obesity: a cross-sectional study from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2013)

• Kim Y
• Jeong SM
• Yoo B
• Oh B
• Kang HC

• KMID: 2380706
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2016020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The association between smoking and obesity is a significant public health concern. Both are preventable risk factors of cardiovascular disease and a range of other conditions. However, despite numerous previous studies, no consensus has emerged regarding the effect of smoking on obesity. We therefore carried out a novel study evaluating the relationship between smoking and obesity.
METHODS
A total of 5,254 subjects aged 19 years or older drawn from the 2010-2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in this cross-sectional study. Smoking was examined both in terms of smoking status and the quantity of cigarettes smoked by current smokers. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between smoking and obesity. Overall obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2, and central obesity was defined as a waist circumference ≥90 cm for males and ≥85 cm for females. We adjusted for the possible confounding effects of age, sex, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and the presence of hypertension or diabetes.
RESULTS
A statistically significant difference in central obesity according to smoking status was identified. Current smokers were more likely to be centrally obese than never-smokers (adjusted odds ratio,1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.67). However, no significant association was found between smoking and obesity defined by BMI. Moreover, among current smokers, no statistically significant association was found between the daily amount of smoking and obesity or central obesity.
CONCLUSIONS
Smoking was positively associated with central obesity. Current smokers should be acquainted that they may be more prone to central obesity.

Keyword

Smoking; Obesity; Body mass index; Waist circumference; Risk factors; Cross-sectional studies

MeSH Terms

Alcohol Drinking
Body Mass Index
Cardiovascular Diseases
Consensus
Cross-Sectional Studies*
Female
Humans
Hypertension
Korea*
Logistic Models
Male
Motor Activity
Nutrition Surveys*
Obesity*
Obesity, Abdominal*
Public Health
Risk Factors
Smoke*
Smoking*
Tobacco Products
Waist Circumference
Smoke