Weighing in on fat versus smoke - Brief Article

Vibrant Life, March-April, 2002

If you're overweight, you're significantly more likely to develop a chronic health problem than someone who smokes.

Researchers surveyed more than 9,500 adults about their weight, height, smoking and drinking habits, and quality of life. The survey also included questions about chronic health problems such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, and heart problems. Fifty-nine percent of the survey participants were found to be overweight or obese. Data revealed that overweight people tend to have slightly more health problems than people living in poverty, and far more chronic health problems than daily smokers and drinkers.

(Public Health/The Nation's Health)