A study by three Yale researchers concluded cigarette smokers, particularly those with greater dependence on nicotine, had higher cravings for high-fat and fast-food fats than non-smokers.
However, the study also concluded that the association between smoking and total food craving was not significant after adjusting for depression and stress.
Researchers Marney White, PhD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Psychiatry; Carlos Grilo, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and of Psychology; and Rajita Sinha, PhD, Foundations Fund Professor of Psychiatry, screened 712 adults for food cravings, dietary intake and smoking history. Compared to people who have never smoked, current smokers reported more frequent cravings for high-fat foods and fast-food fats after controlling for depression, stress, body mass index, and demographic factors, according to the study.
“The association between cigarette smoking and total food craving was no longer significant after accounting for depression and stress, suggesting that depression and stress may account for the relationship between smoking and total food craving,” the researchers wrote. “Smoking did not moderate the relationship between food cravings and food intake. Nicotine dependence was positively correlated with the frequency of general food cravings and cravings for high fats, sweets, and carbohydrates/starches."
The study was published in the journal Eating Behaviors. To read it click here.