Weight change among participants in a large sample minimal contact smoking relapse prevention trial

Weight at baseline and posttreatment was measured for 1096 participants in a smoking relapse prevention trial: 42.1% maintained their weight, 42.5% gained more than 1 kg and 15.4% lost more than 1 kg during the eight-week treatment program. Abstainers (n = 383) gained more than four times the weight gained by relapsers (n = 713) (Abstainers: 1.6 kg, Relapsers: 0.4 kg, p less than .0001). In order to examine the anorexic properties of nicotine gum. Abstainers were classified into nicotine gum user and non-user categories. Users gained significantly less weight than non-users although the difference was small (Users: 1.1 kg, Non-users: 1.8 kg, p less than .004). A dose-response relationship was observed between number of cigarettes smoked per day at baseline and weight gain. Higher cigarette consumption was associated with increased weight gain in both gum user (p less than .004), and non-user groups (p less than .02). There was no significant difference in weight gain between Abstainers who later relapsed at 6 months and those who maintained abstinence (p less than .29). Although the impact of nicotine gum on weight gain was small, this apparent property of the substance may be useful in encouraging cessation among smokers who perceive weight gain as a potential stumbling block to success.