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Published on: February 2, 2017
Smoking status and body mass index: a longitudinal study
Marcus R Munafò1, Kate Tilling, Yoav Ben-Shlomo
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK. marcus.munafo@bristol.ac.uk
Summary
Quitting smoking leads to weight gain, with ex-smokers showing a higher body mass index (BMI) similar to never-smokers. This weight change is not solely due to increased calorie intake.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Metabolic Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Smoking cessation is widely believed to cause weight gain, but the extent and duration are debated.
- Understanding weight changes after quitting is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between smoking status and changes in body mass index (BMI) over time.
- To determine if calorie consumption mediates the relationship between smoking cessation and BMI changes.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of male participants assessing smoking status and BMI at multiple time points.
- Food frequency questionnaires were used to record calorie consumption.
Main Results:
- Never-smokers and ex-smokers had a higher baseline BMI by 1.6 kg/m² compared to current smokers.
- Smoking cessation was linked to an average BMI increase of 1.6 kg/m².
Conclusions:
- Long-term smoking abstinence results in a BMI comparable to that of never-smokers.
- Observed BMI differences were not significantly reduced by accounting for calorie or alcohol intake, suggesting other mechanisms are involved.
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