The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that smoking can increase a person’s risk of getting overweight or obesity by almost 20 percent.
Smoking causes the blood vessels in the lungs to widen. This makes it easier for the nicotine in tobacco to enter the bloodstream.
Smoking is also associated with a higher risk of heart disease and lung cancer.
People who smoke are more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
A person who smokes may also have a higher risk of stroke.
Stopping smoking can help a person lose weight.
A healthy diet, exercise, and maintaining a moderate weight can help a person manage their weight.
A doctor may recommend smoking cessation treatments, such as nicotine replacement therapy and support groups for people who want to quit smoking.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend a medication.
However, the CDC says that doctors should not recommend smoking cessation treatments for all people who are overweight or obese.
The American Heart Association (AHA) advises that doctors should only recommend nicotine replacement therapy for people who smoke more than one pack of cigarettes a day.
The AHA also advises that people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day should try to quit.
How to get rid of belly fat?
A person should aim to eat a healthy diet and get regular physical activity.
The CDC advises that adults should aim to have at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day.
For a person who is overweight, the CDC recommends a moderate weight training regimen.
A person can also do short, intense physical activity sessions, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
To lose weight, a person should avoid:
- Eating large amounts of refined carbohydrates
- Eating large amounts of processed foods
- Taking in too many calories
- Eating foods that are high in salt or fat
- Eating foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates
People should also avoid:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating foods with large amounts of saturated fat
- Eating foods that contain trans fats
Some people may need medication to lose weight.
A doctor may recommend a medication to help a person lose weight.
A doctor may also prescribe medication to help a person who is obese control their weight.
Some people may need to take medication for several years to lose weight.
It can take a person a long time to see results from a diet and exercise plan.
For some people, a doctor may recommend surgery.
A doctor may recommend surgery for certain people who are overweight or obese.
The AHA says that surgery is more likely to be effective for people who are obese.
Surgery may help a person lose body fat and change the way their body looks.
How to gain belly fat?
A person should aim to eat a well-balanced diet.
It is important that a person does not eat too much or too few calories.
A person can also try to eat healthy foods and avoid highly processed and high salt foods.
A person should aim to eat healthy foods that are high in nutrients, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Protein
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats, such as olive oil and nuts
A person should also avoid:
- Fried foods
- Processed foods
- Foods high in sugar or carbohydrates
- Foods high in fat, such as ice cream and butter
A person can also try to eat a well-balanced diet by eating a diet rich in:
- Fibre
- Folate
- B vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Iron
People who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more are advised to aim to consume at least 30 percent of their calories from complex carbohydrates.
A person can eat a wider variety of foods if they are more active.
A person who is overweight or obese should aim to eat a well-balanced diet that is low in fat, salt, and sugar.
It is important that a person eats their meals within two hours of when they wake up.
People who smoke should also limit their intake.
A person may also need medication to help them lose weight.
A doctor should assess a person who is overweight or obese to see if they are a good candidate for surgery.
A doctor should also assess a person who is obese to see if medication is the best option for them.
When should a person see a doctor?
A person may not need to see a doctor if they are losing weight with exercise and a healthy diet.
However, a person may need a doctor’s help if they:
- Are unable to lose weight
- Have a serious health condition
- Are overweight or obese and they are not sure if they should lose weight or if they should take medication
People who are overweight or obese should see a doctor if they:
Have any symptoms, such as:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle aches
- Hiccups
- Nausea
A person may also see a doctor if:
- Their weight is up to two times the amount recommended by the CDC
- They are experiencing severe weight loss
- They have other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss
If a person is overweight or obese and they smoke, a doctor should check them for lung cancer.
A doctor should assess a person who is obese to see if they are a good candidate for surgery.
Summary
Belly fat is a common issue among people who are overweight or obese.
A person may need to lose some weight before they can see if they will continue to lose weight.
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