Risk of death is 3.5 to 5 times greater for obese (肥胖的) smokers than it is for people who have never smoked and are at a normal weight, according to a study published in the November, 2006 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
The study, which began with a self-administered questionnaire taken between 1983 and 1989, asked more than 80,000 radiologic technologists aged 22 to 92 questions about age, height, weight and smoking behavior.
BMI (body mass index) was calculated, with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 being considered obese, and 35 and over being very obese. Smoking behavior was analyzed by looking at a person's tobacco consumption level, number of years smoked, and current smoking status. Researchers then followed participants through December of 2002, noting the number of deaths that occurred.
The study involved researchers from the National Cancer Institute, the University of Minnesota and the American Registry of Radiolegic Technologists.
Key Findings:
20 percent of obese adults in the United States smoke.
Obese smokers face a greater risk of death from cancer and circulatory disease.
Current smoking is a greater risk factor for death by cancer than obesity is, generally speaking.
The higher a person's pack-years (number of packs smoked per day times the number of years smoked) are, the greater the risk of death.
Men and women of all ages faced an elevated risk of death due to circulatory disease as BMI increased. And for those who were both obese and currently smoking, risk of circulatory disease increased 6 to 11 times under the age of 65, as compared to their never-smoking, normal weight counterparts.
While it's not surprising that obesity coupled with smoking is a recipe for trouble, it is important to highlight this growing health concern in America today.
Taking Charge of Your Health
Making healthy choices can be difficult when we're constantly exposed to products that are dangerous to our health, but it's not impossible. With education and some motivation, we all have the ability to make lasting changes for the better. If you're an overweight smoker worried about gaining weight due to quitting, take heart. It's never too late to change your course and even reduce damage to some extent.
小题1:60. What is the American Journal of Preventive Medicine?
A．An medical institute.
B．A research center.
C．A medical magazine
D．A TV station小题2:Which of the following is true according to the text?
A．Obese smokers are less likely to suffer from cancer.
B．Obese smokers are more likely to suffer from cancer.
C．Obese smokers tend to gain fewer body mass index.
D．Obese smokers tend to get heavier than those who never smoke.小题3:According to the author, it is ________ to get rid of smoking.
A．easy and possible
B．difficult and impossible
C．easy ant worthwhile
D．difficult but worthwhile小题4:What is the purpose of the text?
A．To inform the readers of the findings about obese smoking.
B．To warn the readers of the danger of obese smoking.
C．To tell us what obese smoking is.
D．To call on the obese smokers to quit smoking.
