Did America get fat when it stopped smoking?

[Robert Urbanek]

The rise in obesity in the U.S. seems to parallel the fall in the number of people smoking. Did one oral fixation, eating, replace the other oral fixation, smoking, and diabetes replace lung cancer?

Apparently, Americans need to put something in their mouth to change their mood when they are bored, anxious, or tense. Even “good stress” seems to be an excuse for eating, as our culture expects us to snack on something while watching an exciting movie or football game.

Should we encourage chewing gum as an alternative to smoking or snacking?

 

[1srelluc]

Huh, never thought of that but you might be on to something.

I watch a lot of old TCM movies and everyone smoked back in the day.

 

[martybegan]

The rise in obesity in the U.S. seems to parallel the fall in the number of people smoking. Did one oral fixation, eating, replace the other oral fixation, smoking, and diabetes replace lung cancer?

Apparently, Americans need to put something in their mouth to change their mood when they are bored, anxious, or tense. Even “good stress” seems to be an excuse for eating, as our culture expects us to snack on something while watching an exciting movie or football game.

Should we encourage chewing gum as an alternative to smoking or snacking?

It's probably a contributing factor.

Bad things usually don't happen for one reason, but for a confluence of reasons.

 

[MarathonMike]

Probably several factors less activity, more stress, more junk food, quitting smoking are a few.

 

[Darkwind]

There is some merit to this idea.

I stopped smoking in 2000, and I've put on weight because of it. But the main contributing factor for my weight is high-processed food, Beer, and a less-than-active lifestyle.

 

[MisterBeale]

 

[Polishprince]

sound like a reasonable theorem, if you look at the documents.

 

[Hafar1014]

The rise in obesity in the U.S. seems to parallel the fall in the number of people smoking. Did one oral fixation, eating, replace the other oral fixation, smoking, and diabetes replace lung cancer?

Apparently, Americans need to put something in their mouth to change their mood when they are bored, anxious, or tense. Even “good stress” seems to be an excuse for eating, as our culture expects us to snack on something while watching an exciting movie or football game.

Should we encourage chewing gum as an alternative to smoking or snacking?

Fat free and low fat foods were the cause

 

[Woodznutz]

I smoked for 15 years, didn't gain a pound after I quit.

 

[Woodznutz]

sound like a reasonable theorem, if you look at the documents.
View attachment 1202923

That was my brand.

 

[Captain Caveman]

The rise in obesity in the U.S. seems to parallel the fall in the number of people smoking. Did one oral fixation, eating, replace the other oral fixation, smoking, and diabetes replace lung cancer?

Apparently, Americans need to put something in their mouth to change their mood when they are bored, anxious, or tense. Even “good stress” seems to be an excuse for eating, as our culture expects us to snack on something while watching an exciting movie or football game.

Should we encourage chewing gum as an alternative to smoking or snacking?

Education -

 

[braalian]

sound like a reasonable theorem, if you look at the documents.
View attachment 1202923

Technically it's true. If you smoke instead of eating junk food, it will help keep the weight down.

You'll also have lung cancer, leathery skin and look 15 years older than your actual age.