The relationship between smoking, BMI, physical activity, and dietary intake among Thai adults in Central Thailand

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate dietary intake, physical activity, and BMI in adult Thais stratified by smoking status, living in the central region of Thailand. Material and Method: Participants (n = 1,027) were administered a health questionnaires, 24-h dietary recall, and anthropometric measurements were obtained. ResultS: Compared to ex-smokers (24.5 ± 4.3 kg/m2) and non-smokers (24.8 ± 4.0 kg/m2), current smokers (22.6 + 3.8 kg/m2) had significantly lower BMIs, regardless of gender (p < 0.001). In addition, male smokers had smaller waist circumferences than non-smokers. There were no statistically significant differences in nutrient intake or physical activity based on smoking status. Results from this study are consistent with others reports showing that smoking is associated with lower weights and BMI when compared to non-smokers. The mechanism for this association may be related to the potential for nicotine to increase metabolic rate rather than appetite suppression in smokers. Conclusion: Because the substantial negative health consequences of smoking are far stronger than those associated with modest weight differences, smoking cannot be viewed as an appropriate weight management strategy.