Weight gain side effect to quitting smoking

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The leading cause of preventable death in the United States is cigarette smoking, accounting for one in five deaths annually.  Smokers are aware the health dangers of smoking, however there are two major barriers to successfully quitting.  First is the addition to nicotine, and second is the fear of gaining weight.  

People who successfully quit smoking gained 2.5 lbs one month after quitting, 5 lbs at 2 months, and gained up to 10.3 lbs at one year.  Weight gain has lead people to resume smoking despite the health benefits of quitting.  The attempt to limit weight gain contributed to their limited the success of smoking cessation.

Personalized weight management programs that incorporate goals and personalized energy prescriptions may significantly reduce weight gain while continuing to not smoke.  Dietetics professionals should be part of the team approach in clinical setting to facilitate behavior changes in smokers especially those with weight concerns.

Cunningham E. Is weight gain inevitable after smoking cessation? J Am Diet Assoc. 2013;113(1)180.

AW

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