Originally published June 8 2005
Study finds cigarette companies target women
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A new study found that for more than 20 years, tobacco companies have been directly targeting women, modifying their marketing strategies and products to appeal specifically to females. A Harvard research analyst said companies made products that gave women false perceptions about the products, such as low-tar cigarettes being marketed as "light," indicating they were a healthier option. Companies also created more colorful packing, longer and slimmer cigarettes and even considered creating a cigarette with an appetite suppressant, so women could lose weight by smoking.
For more than 20 years, tobacco companies have researched the factors that motivate women to smoke, modifying and marketing their products to appeal to them, a new study reports.
Industry documents reveal that, beginning in the 1970's, ad campaigns were aimed at women, promoting the stylishness and taste of cigarettes as well as their alleged health benefits, according to a study published in the June issue of ADDICTION, a scientific journal.
"These internal documents reveal that the tobacco industry's targeting of women goes far beyond marketing and advertising," says lead author Carrie Carpenter, a Harvard research analyst.
"Female specific concerns such as health concerns and social concerns were translated in informed product research to create products that gave (women) false perceptions," said Ms.
"In the end, I think that prevented some women from quitting and they just switched over thinking that was a healthier option.
Documents from 1969 through 2000 became available following the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement in 1998 and were examined by the Harvard School of Public Health.
Documents reveal that tobacco companies also explored using appetite suppressants in cigarettes to promote the idea that smoking can help control weight.
Companies continue to target female smokers, but their strategies are more multifaceted and less transparent than they were decades ago, the report said.
Despite the fact that the harmful effects of smoking are widely publicized, the World Health Organization estimates that 15 per cent of women in developed countries smoke.
According to the authors, the study shows troubling implications for world health, as tobacco companies seek to increase smoking rates among women in developing countries.
The study found that women use smoking to reduce stress and body weight more than men and the association between smoking and depression is stronger among women.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml