Smoking Might Boost Fat Burning Gene

A new study suggest that smoking enhances the activity of a gene that helps break down body fat, which offers clues to why smokers often gain weight after quitting.

According to researchers, a group of healthy smokers, compared to a group of non-smokers, showed greater activity in a gene called AZGP1 in cell samples taken from their airways.

This gene is though to be important in breaking down fat and controlling weight, which is why the findings point to this being the possible reason that smokers tend to weigh less than non-smokers.  Also it might explain why people often gain weight after quitting the habit.

Dr. Holly Vanni and colleagues at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York reported their findings in the journal Chest.

The research team found various potential reasons for the weight gain that often follows smoking cessation.  For example, people who quit may start to eat more while at the same time losing the metabolism boost that nicotine provides. 

All the while, studies on the gene have shown that AZGP1 helps regulate body fat in mice, and patients with cancer-induced weight loss might have increased activity in the gene.

According to Vanni’s team, the current findings suggest that the smoking-weight connection has a molecular basis, due to the revved up AZGP1 activity.

But, that does not mean that weight gain after smoking cessation is just because of genetics.  The research team wrote that the relationship between smoking and weight is "undoubtedly complex," and it likely involves modifiable factors including diet and exercise.

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On the Net:

• Weill Medical College