The problem of weight gain in smokers trying to quit

Abstract

Objectives: Gaining weight is one barrier for success in quitting smoking. Our main aim is to investigate whether there is a patient characteristic that precludes a higher risk of weight gain.

Material and methods: Retrospective review of data of our patients: demographic data, medical history report, smoking history and prescribed treatment. Follow-up visits were at 15 days, 1, 3 and 6 months to confirm abstinence, adherence to treatment and to measure change in weight. Statistics analysis with SPSS 18.0.

Results: 612 patients (54,2% female), mean age 47,99 +/- 11,07 years old); weight 74,47 +/- 17,1 kg; BMI 26,94 +/- 5,12 kg/m². They started smoking at 16,87 +/- 5,45 y. o., smoked 26,15 +/-12,54 cig/day; 77,7% had previous attempts, and had 5,76 points in Fagerström. 33,7% used NRT, 32,6% varenicline and 31,1% bupropion (2,6% without pharmacological treatment). The abstinence rate was 76% at 15 days; and 76,1%; 70,8% and 64,8% at first, 3 and 6 months respectively. Difference in weight was 1,32 +/- 2,01 kg (1st month); 2,49 +/- 6,22 (3rd month); and 4,07 +/- 3,67 (6th month) (BMI at 6 months 28,87 +/- 5,47; difference BMI 1,51 +/- 1,37). Neither gender nor drug used showed relationship with weight gain. Fagerström test was the only factor that correlated positively with increased weight (r = 0,237; p<0,001). Basal obesity and menopause didn't show relationship with gaining more weight.

Conclusions: We treated patients with high tobacco consumption and moderate nicotine dependence. Abstinence rate at the end of the program was high, but weight gain was important. This last factor seemed to be a sign of nicotine dependence. We should encourage the treatment of high dependence patients in order to avoid gaining too much weight.