Smoking cessation and weight gain in the military

Many studies of civilian populations have found a significant relationship between smoking cessation and weight gain. However, the effect of voluntary smoking cessation on weight for military personnel has not been studied. The present study evaluated 70 active duty military members (55 males and 15 females) who quit smoking after participating in an 8-week smoking cessation program. The results indicated that 88% of the participants gained weight and that the average weight gain was 6.4 lb (males, 5.5 lb; females, 9.8 lb). These results are particularly noteworthy because weight gain in military members may result in administrative actions for individuals exceeding weight standards. The authors recommend that military officials consider adopting a one-time temporary weight waiver for active duty military members who successfully quit smoking to help prevent any negative administrative consequences of post-cessation weight gain.