From Smoking to Obesity: Four hidden dangers to men’s health. Will boys lose weight if they smoke?

The relationship between smoking and weight changes varies from person to person, but long-term smoking may cause temporary weight loss in some people by suppressing appetite and accelerating metabolism, and may also cause health risks. The four major hidden dangers to men's health include metabolic disorders, cardiopulmonary damage, reduced immunity and abnormal hormone levels.

1. Metabolic effects:

Nicotine will stimulate sympathetic nerve excitement, increase the basal metabolic rate by 5%-10% in the short term, and may cause an increase in calorie consumption. But toxins such as cyanide in tobacco can interfere with cellular energy metabolism, which may lead to muscle loss rather than fat loss in the long term.

2. Appetite suppression:

After smoking, bitter taste receptors in the mouth are activated and ghrelin secretion is inhibited. About 60% of smokers will suffer from loss of appetite. This unnatural appetite regulation may be accompanied by insufficient nutrient intake, causing anemia or vitamin deficiency.

3. Hormone interference:

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced by tobacco burning can reduce testosterone levels. Studies have shown that men who smoke 20 cigarettes a day have 15% lower testosterone levels than non-smokers. The decrease in male hormones may lead to a decrease in muscle synthesis capacity and the redistribution of fat to the abdomen.

4. Compensatory obesity:

It is common to regain weight after quitting smoking, as nicotine withdrawal leads to recovery of taste and increased appetite. About 75% of people who quit smoking will gain 3-5 kilograms of weight within 6 months, but this can be effectively controlled through scientific dietary management.

5. Organ damage:

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema caused by smoking can reduce exercise tolerance and indirectly promote a reduction in physical activity. At the same time, carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin to cause tissue hypoxia, which may cause metabolic syndrome.

It is recommended that smokers use progressive smoking cessation combined with exercise intervention, perform 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and swimming every week, and supplement with citrus fruits and dark green vegetables rich in vitamin C. Regularly check lung function and body fat rate. In the early stage of quitting smoking, you can consult a nutritionist to formulate a high-protein, low-glycemic index diet plan to avoid replacing smoking with sugary snacks. If you have persistent cough, chest tightness or unknown weight loss, you should promptly check for respiratory diseases.