A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 83 trials. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) resulted in attenuation of post-cessation weight gain (MD −0.52 kg, 95% CI −0.99 to −0.05; 21 studies, n=2784; I² = 81%) and there was a trend favouring NRT at 12 months (MD −0.37 kg, 95% CI −0.86 to 0.11; 17 studies, n=1463; I² = 0%). With varenicline, weight change was very modestly lower at the end of treatment (MD −0.23 kg, 95% CI −0.53 to 0.06; 14 studies, n=2566; I² = 32%); but higher at 12 months (MD 1.05 kg, 95% CI −0.58 to 2.69; 3 studies, n=237; I² = 0%). Both bupropion and fluoxetine limited weight gain at end of treatment, but there was no evidence of benefit at 12 months.
Primary/Secondary Keywords