Researchers disclosed that millions of Britons who smoke to remain slim are risking their physical condition for nothing as tobacco users tend to be fattier.

The popular belief that butts stop you eating has been debunked, with specialists stating that individuals who have never smoked tend to be in proper shape.

The research is likely to upset many die-hard tobacco users, mainly females who were influenced by effigies of waifish models like Kate Moss drawing on a cigarette.

These effigies had helped to be responsible for the belief that smoking keeps you slim.

However, a novel research by a Spanish group suggests smoking does not keep obesity at bay.

The research group, from the University of Navarra, followed over 7,500 individuals for more than four years, watching what they consumed, how much they worked out, how much they weighed and whether they smoked.

They discovered individuals who smoked and then tried to quit gained the most weight. This is possibly as beating a habit to nicotine can leave individuals with cravings they often curb using junk food. (With Inputs from Agencies)