Factors associated with weight changes in successful quitters participating in a smoking cessation program

Objective

To identify possible predictors of post-cessation weight gain in smoking abstainers.

Patients and methods

A sample of 607 successful abstainers seen at the Centre for Tobacco-Dependent in Prague, Czech Republic, between 2005 and 2010, was included in this analysis. This sample was followed up for 1 year and included 47.9% women (N = 291) with the mean age of 48 years (18–85).

Findings

Post-cessation weight gain occurred in 88.6% of the 607 abstainers. The mean weight gain after one year post-quit was 5.1 kg (95% confidence interval 4.7–5.5 kg). Baseline characteristics associated with increased weight gain included a higher baseline smoking rate (p < 0.001), more severe cigarette dependence (p = 0.003), less physical activity (p = 0.008), and a report of increased appetite on the baseline assessment of withdrawal symptoms (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Smokers who are more dependent and have minimal physical activity are at increased risk for post-cessation weight gain. For these smokers, incorporating interventions targeting the weight issue into tobacco dependence treatment is recommended. Further research should be done to identify reasons for this important quitting complication.