Ability To Taste Fats, Sweets Dampened In Obese Women Who Smoke

Obese women who smoke are much less sensitive to the taste of fats and sweets, a U.S. study finds, which means they are more likely to consume more fatty, sugary foods to satisfy cravings. The researchers tested four groups of women age 21 to 41: obese smokers, obese nonsmokers, normal weight smokers and normal weight nonsmokers. All were asked to taste vanilla puddings that contained various amounts of fat. The obese smokers perceived less creaminess and sweetness, compared to the other three groups.. "They also derived less pleasure from tasting the puddings," according to the authors.