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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
05:10
Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Weight gain after smoking cessation
F Pistelli1, F Aquilini, L Carrozzi
1UO Pneumologia e Fisiopatologia Respiratoria 1 Universitaria, Dipartimento Cardiotoracico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy. francesco.pistelli@ifc.cnr.it
Summary
Quitting smoking often leads to weight gain due to increased intake and decreased metabolism. However, the health benefits of smoking cessation significantly outweigh the risks of associated weight gain.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Overweight/obesity and cigarette smoking are significant public health concerns.
- Smoking cessation is linked to weight gain, posing a challenge for quitters.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between smoking cessation and weight gain.
- To explore the mechanisms, health risks, and control strategies for weight gain post-cessation.
- To inform physicians on managing weight-concerned patients seeking to quit smoking.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on smoking cessation and weight gain.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms for weight gain.
- Evaluation of behavioral and pharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- Most smokers gain weight after quitting, with significant gain within one year, potentially lasting up to 8 years.
- Excessive weight gain is observed in a minority of quitters.
- Mechanisms include increased energy intake, decreased resting metabolic rate, and reduced physical activity.
Conclusions:
- Health benefits of smoking cessation greatly outweigh risks of associated weight gain.
- Weight gain can be a barrier to quitting or lead to relapse.
- Effective strategies are needed to manage weight concerns during smoking cessation.
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