Weight concerns among Finnish ever-smokers: a population-based study
Mikko Luostarinen1, Eeva-Liisa Tuovinen, Suoma E Saarni
1Department of Public Health, Hjelt Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland;
Summary
Current daily smokers exhibit greater weight concerns than quitters and occasional smokers. Addressing weight concerns is crucial for effective smoking cessation programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Tobacco Control
Background:
- Weight gain concerns are hypothesized to deter smoking cessation attempts.
- Understanding the link between smoking status and weight concerns is vital for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between smoking status and weight concerns in a Finnish population sample.
- To inform tobacco dependence treatment strategies by considering weight concerns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 1,614 Finnish ever-smokers (aged 25-74) from the National FINRISK 2007 Study.
- Categorization of participants into daily smokers, occasional smokers, recent quitters, and former smokers.
- Regression analyses to assess the relationship between smoking status and a 6-item weight concerns score, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- Smoking status significantly correlated with weight concerns, with daily smokers reporting the highest levels.
- Daily smokers' weight concerns remained significantly higher than other groups after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, socioeconomic status, and health behaviors.
- While women expressed more weight concerns than men, no gender-specific associations with smoking status were observed.
Conclusions:
- Current daily smokers report greater weight concerns compared to recent quitters, former smokers, and occasional smokers.
- Weight concerns represent a significant factor that should be integrated into tobacco dependence treatment protocols.
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