Yes, smoking can change your body shape by influencing fat distribution.
Smoking's impact on body shape isn't about overall weight gain or loss in a straightforward way, but rather how fat is stored within the body. This happens because smoking can disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormones. This hormonal interference can lead to an abnormal distribution of body fat.
Here's a breakdown:
- Hormonal Disruption: Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke can affect hormone levels, including those related to fat storage and metabolism.
- Visceral Fat Accumulation: Smoking is linked to an increase in visceral fat, which is fat stored deep within the abdomen around vital organs. This type of fat is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat (fat just under the skin) because it's associated with a higher risk of various health problems.
- "Apple Shape" Development: The accumulation of visceral fat often leads to a more "apple-shaped" body, where the waist circumference is larger relative to the hips. This body shape is linked to increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
In essence, smoking doesn't necessarily make you heavier, but it can alter where your body stores fat, shifting it towards a more dangerous distribution pattern. This shift in fat distribution is what leads to changes in body shape and increases health risks.
