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Evidence summaries

Behavioural and Exercise Interventions for Preventing Weight Gain after Smoking Cessation

Exercise may be effective for preventing weight gain after smoking cessation. Individualized behavioural interventions may not be effective for preventing weight gain after smoking cessation. Level of evidence: "C"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 37 studies. Individualized weight management support vs no intervention was associated with reduced weight gain at end of treatment, but not 6 and at 12 months after the treatment. Neihter did very low calorie diets reduce weight gain at 12 months. Exercise interventions led to minimal or no weight reduction compared with standard care at end of treatment (MD 0.25kg, 95% CI0.78 to 0.29; 4 studies, n=404; I² = 0%). However, weight was reduced at 12 months (mean difference in weight change -2.07kg, 95% CI -3.78kg, -0.36kg, 3 studies, n=182).

In a study 2 330 young adult smokers were randomized to a smoking cessation program alone (comparison group), or to a behavioral weight management program (intervention group). A smoking cessation program delivered via interactive technologywhich included behavioral counseling and nicotine replacement, and was similar for both groups. On average, the participants gained 0.91 kg after 24 months in the trial (comparison group + 1.45 kg and intervention group + 0.32; P = 0.157). Those who were abstinent, on average, gained 0.14 kg more per month compared with those who continued to smoke (P < 0.001).

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality and by inconsistency (heterogeneity).

    References

    • Hartmann-Boyce J, Theodoulou A, Farley A et al. Interventions for preventing weight gain after smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021;(10):CD006219. [PubMed]
    • Johnson KC, Thomas F, Richey P et al. The Primary Results of the Treating Adult Smokers at Risk for Weight Gain with Interactive Technology (TARGIT) Study. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2017;25(10):1691-1698. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords