Impact of Tobacco and Alcohol on the Body Composition of Youth

Abstract

Introdution: The early onset of smoking and alcohol consumption, whether or not associated with excess weight are considered modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. When occurring concomitantly, they increase the likelihood of developing these diseases. Objectives: Given these assumptions, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of smoking and alcohol consumption on body composition of young people. Method: A cross-sectional, analytical and descriptive study with 68 volunteers, among smokers and non-smokers, between 18 and 26 years of age, from three universities, four elementary schools, two high schools and two technical courses in the town of Viçosa, MG, Brazil. Results: Among the body composition measures, BMI, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio were higher among male smokers (p<0.05). In addition, smokers drank alcohol more often than nonsmokers of the same gender. Weight and waist/mid ratio were positively correlated (p<0.05) with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Conclusion: The results showed that young male smokers were associated with at least three of the risk factors for chronic diseases, which suggests an immediate loss of health due to abuse of these substances at this stage.