[HIGHLIGHTS] Contrary to popular belief, smoking makes you gain weight, particularly in the stomach area.

Cigarettes contribute to the increase in abdominal and visceral fat in smokers. This “invisible” fat around the organs is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and even having a stroke.

Flat stomach does not prevent visceral fat. Although less visible, the fatty tissue of the belly produces inflammatory molecules which cause diabetes, high blood pressure and even certain cancers. Tobacco, which is the leading cause of preventable mortality in France, causes 75,000 deaths each year.