Second-hand smoke linked to weight gain in new study

People who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke could be at an elevated risk of experiencing weight gain, according to new US research.

Carried out by Brigham Young University, the study saw lab mice exposed to second-hand smoke and followed their metabolic progression, revealing that the presence of the smoke caused them to put on weight.

Investigating further, it was found that the smoke triggered a lipid called ceramide to alter mitochondria in the animals' cells, disrupting normal cell function and inhibiting their ability to respond to insulin.

Moreover, it was discovered that inhibiting ceramide with myriocin helped the mice to avoid gaining weight or experiencing metabolic problems, regardless of their exposure to the smoke.

Author Benjamin Bikman, professor of physiology and developmental biology at Brigham Young University, said: "The idea that there might be some therapy we could give to innocent bystanders to help protect them from the consequences of being raised in a home with a smoker is quite gratifying."

The government is currently considering new laws that would reduce exposure to second-hand smoke by banning parents from smoking in cars carrying children.