Tobacco

Findings of the study may pave the way for the development of a drug that could aid the smokers, who have quit the deadly habit, from gorging on food instead.

Why people put on weight after quitting?

Contrary to their purpose, anti-smoking messages evoke nicotine cravings and hence prompt smokers to take a puff, the study found.

Scientists believe such warning messages have an 'ironic effect' on smokers that increases their craving for tobacco, the Daily Mail reports.

“You get ironic effects when you couple information that people perceive with negation,” said researcher Brian Earp, from Oxford University. “When I say "don't think of a pink elephant", I've just put the thought of a pink elephant in your head.

The tobacco makers submitted their views to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel on Thursday.

The FDA is thinking of putting into place more stringent restrictions for menthol cigarettes. Menthol cigarettes are a growing market, as people seem to be relying less on regular cigarettes.

Experts are of the opinion that a ban on menthol cigarettes is not likely.

FDA likely to put restrictions on minty smokes
FDA’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee is working on a report on the health effects of minty cigarettes.