The World Tobacco Day was marked this year on the backdrop of some quarters sarcastically arguing that cigarettes are the only licensed killers alongside sugar and alcohol.

Grace Chege, a nutritionist, says smokers suffer malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies as nicotine from cigarettes affects the brain and “suppress one’s ability to taste flavours” thus affecting enjoyment of food and reducing appetite. 

Smokers, adds Chege, also consume high energy and fatty foods and less fibre and antioxidants besides the propensity for drinks as the ‘cigarette thirst’ peculiar to smokers triggers cravings for drinks be it water, soda or alcohol.