Smoking shisha 'significantly increases' the risk of users developing diabetes and obesity, a new study has revealed for the first time. Research carried out by the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) found that smokers were more likely to gain weight and develop type 2 diabetes in comparison to non-smokers. In the largest study to explore the adverse effects of hookah smoking, the participants baseline characteristics were measured against their biochemical results which were observed through blood tests.