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Creating Dynamic Images of Short-lived Dopamine Fluctuations with lp-ntPET: Dopamine Movies of Cigarette Smoking
Published on: August 6, 2013
Smoking cessation, weight gain, and DRD4 -521 genotype
Marcus R Munafò1, Michael F G Murphy, Elaine C Johnstone
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom. marcus.munafo@bristol.ac.uk
Summary
Smoking cessation leads to significant, long-term weight gain (over 2.5 kg/m³), persisting for at least 8 years. This weight gain may offset some health benefits of quitting, necessitating weight management support in cessation programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Genetics
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Smoking cessation is crucial for public health, but weight gain is a common concern.
- Understanding the long-term impact of smoking cessation on body mass index (BMI) is essential.
- The role of genetic factors, such as DRD4 genotype, in mediating weight changes post-cessation requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify long-term body mass index (BMI) changes in individuals who successfully quit smoking versus those who continued.
- To examine the persistence of weight gain up to 8 years after smoking cessation.
- To determine if DRD4 genotype influences weight gain associated with smoking cessation.
Main Methods:
- A representative cohort of treatment-seeking heavy smokers in the United Kingdom was studied.
- Body mass index (BMI) was measured at baseline and at an 8-year follow-up.
- DRD4 genotype was analyzed for its potential interaction with smoking status and its independent association with BMI.
Main Results:
- Smoking cessation was associated with a significant increase in BMI, persisting up to 8 years.
- Ex-smokers gained over 2.5 kg/m³ on average compared to baseline, while continuous smokers showed no BMI change.
- No interaction was found between smoking status and DRD4 genotype regarding weight gain, but the DRD4 -521 C-allele was independently associated with higher BMI.
Conclusions:
- Long-term weight gain following smoking cessation is substantial and persistent.
- The health benefits of smoking cessation might be partially counteracted by associated weight gain.
- Smoking cessation programs should integrate strategies for weight management support for successful quitters.
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