For decades, Scottish women have been neglecting obesity which along with drinking and smoking habit has put their health at risk. A report has revealed that since 2004, because of obesity, the death rate has risen by 40%.

The researchers have linked the growing obesity among women with decreased level of smoking. The report is compiled by a team of Scottish researchers. They conducted a study over 3,613 women and found a link between non-smoking with obesity. It was further found that severe obesity was more than twice more prevalent among women from low income groups who had never smoked than those non-smokers who were wealthier.

It has been revealed by the report that the low-income earners who had never smoked were on average shorter life, had poorer lung function and higher blood pressure than wealthier women.

Laurence Gruer, the lead researcher and Director of public health science for NHS Health Scotland in Glasgow said, “There is a general sense that if you live on the wrong side of the tracks, you are bound to be less healthy”. The researchers concluded the report by saying nicotine suppresses the appetite of some smokers. Moreover it causes obesity after a smoker quits smoking.