SMOKING, WEIGHT LOSS AND DIABETES: THE MYTH AND MYSTERY

Abstract

Apart from its Dopamine releasing action which produces the "Pleasure effect", Nicotine (Tobacco) has also been associated with weight loss. The association between Smoking and weight loss or say the correlation between the high levels of nicotine in the blood and the increased blood glucose levels has been intriguing. Also, Nicotine induced Insulin Sensitivity has also been observed among the smokers which in turn predisposes the addicted to Type 2 Diabetes. On the other hand, cigarette smoking; for its predicated weight loss effect, has been practiced by a lot of people since decades. The actual mechanism by which it causes the weight loss revolves around how nicotine raises the blood glucose levels by its catecholamine releasing action and the increased satiety which follows it. Also, the lipolysis induced by the nicotine has also been considered one of the factors aiding the presumed weight loss.