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 1year and included 47.9% women (N=291) with the mean age of 48years (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 5.1kg (95% confidence interval 4.7-5.5kg). 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.

Center for Tobacco Dependent 3rd Internal Department Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism 1st Faculty of Medicine and the General University Hospital Charles University Prague Czech Republic; Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology 1st Faculty of Medicine and the General University Hospital Charles University Prague Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org

Early weight gain after stopping smoking: a predictor of overall large weight gain? A single-site retrospective cohort study