Tobacco.org

• MAYBE WE SHOULDN'T HAVE STOPPED SMOKING 

The theory: Obesity rates are up at least partly because smoking rates are down. (Meaning we'd have less of a weight problem if we had more of a smoking problem -- not that anyone thinks that would be a good thing.) . . .

Our experts weigh in: Assessments of smoking's role in today's obesity rates range from "small" to "not big." Susan Roberts of Tufts University says that, although people gain weight when they quit smoking, often they are gaining back weight they lost when they started. "It does contribute," says James Hill of the University of Colorado, "but it is not a major determinant of the obesity epidemic."

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