Americans risking early death through smoking or obesity

Washington: Over 80 million American adults are putting themselves at serious risk of long-term illness and early death through smoking, obesity, or both, finds a study published on bmj.com.

Smoking and obesity are two of the leading causes of death and illness in the United States, but the overlap between the two conditions has never been measured.

Using data from the 2002 national health interview survey, researchers estimated the proportion of adults in the US who smoke and are obese. The results were stratified for various factors, such as income and education levels.

They found that 23.5% of adults were obese and 22.7% smoked (a total of 81 million).

About 4.7% (9 million) smoked and were obese. This proportion was particularly high in African Americans (7%) and in people with lower income and education levels.

Although this overlap is relatively low, the presence of these two conditions together may carry an increased risk to health, say the authors.

Treatments for people who smoke and who are obese need to be investigated, they add. Clinical trials should monitor the effects of programmes aimed at simultaneously stopping smoking and weight control. These results could be used to develop policies for prevention and treatment.

Amangani Jackson Hole

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1535 North East Butte Road, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, U.S.A.
T: +1 307 734 7333 U.S. toll free: (1 877) 734 7333 Fax: (1 307) 734 7332
E-mail: amangani@amanresorts.com

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, just 20 minutes away from Amangani, is open from 4th December, 2004 to 3rd April, 2005. Cross-country skiing, heliskiing, snowcat rides, snowmobiling, snowboarding, dog-sledding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and wildlife safaris are among the outdoor activities on offer this winter season. For seasonal offers see Amangani Winter Alpine Experience and Amangani Ski Experience.

Udai vilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan

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T:+91 294 243 3300; www.oberoihotels.com

The resort has two large swimming pools which are heated in winter, a gymnasium, boutique and a library with a selection of music and DVDs. Private excursions and cruises on the lake can be organised by the hotel. The spa, managed by Banyan Tree, offers holistic treatments and therapies to pamper and revitalise mind and body using holistic therapies and massages combining the best of East and West. Massages, facials and body beautification methods use ancient Ayurveda and aromatherapy as well as Thai and western techniques designed to relieve stress as well as create a sense of wellbeing. The spa has a private pool and individual therapy suites with views of Lake Pichola, the Aravali mountains and City Palace. Each of the eight suites has its own steam sauna and Victorian style bathtub. The gym and hair salon are located around a central domed foyer with a marble fountain.