Association of Heavy Smoking With High Body Mass Index and Cardiovascular Risk Score in Japan

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Smoking is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• The relationship between smoking, body mass index (BMI), and CVD risk factors in Asian populations remains understudied.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between smoking status and BMI in a Japanese working-age population.
• To examine the relationship between smoking habits and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Multiple regression analysis was used to assess associations between smoking status (never, current, past) and number of cigarettes consumed (mild, moderate, heavy) with age-adjusted BMI.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk scores, excluding smoking, were calculated and compared among smoking groups in a subgroup of participants.

Main Results:

• Heavy male smokers exhibited significantly higher age-adjusted BMI compared to never, mild, or moderate smokers.
• Past smokers showed a higher CVD risk score than never or current smokers.
• Heavy male smokers had a significantly higher CVD risk score, even when smoking was excluded, and presented with poorer CVD risk factors like diabetes, dyslipidemia, and lack of exercise.

Conclusions:

• Smoking status and intensity are associated with increased BMI and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Japanese males.
• Findings highlight the detrimental impact of smoking on metabolic and cardiovascular health in this demographic.
• These results underscore the importance of smoking cessation interventions for reducing CVD burden.