[Smoking cessation and weight gain]

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is the single most important preventable cause of death and illness. Smoking cessation is associated with substantial health benefits, but weight gain after smoking cessation is perceived to be a barrier against quitting smoking. The aim of the study was to analyse predictors of weight gain after smoking cessation. The sample included 1067 residents, aged 18-70 years, in a health district of Rome who answered to an anonymous postal questionnaire. Among them 482 were former smokers; 398 provided lifetime histories of both body weight and smoking and were considered in the analysis. 52.5% (49.3% M; 60.5% F) reported weight gain after smoking cessation; among these 25.4% reported a weight gain > or =5 kg. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a direct association between female gender (OR 1.9, CI 95% 1.1-3.2), age - 45 years (45-65 years: OR 2.5, CI 95% 1.4-4.4; > 64 years OR 2.1, CI 95% 1.0-4.0), number of cigarettes per day >20/day (OR 3.8, CI 95% 1.3-11.5) and weight gain after smoking cessation. The relevance of weight gain following smoking cessation suggests that health benefits associated with smoking cessation may to some extent be negated by the detrimental effects on health of associated weight gain. Smoking cessation programmes should therefore consider incorporating follow-up support to prevent weight gain; regular measurements of body weight together with dietary indications and increase of physical activity are basic factors to implement in the intervention of smoking cessation.