Obesity link to smoking

OBESE people are more likely to be smokers and smoke more cigarettes a day, scientists found.

Genetic markers studied in 450,000 people pointed to the links between body fat and smoking intensity.

A “common biological basis” may exist for the two addictive behaviours, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and Bristol University found.

Dr Paul Brennan, of the IARC, said it may shed light on the “impact of obesity on smoking cessation”.