Post-cessation weight concerns among women calling a state tobacco quitline

Obese and overweight women who smoke are more likely to be concerned about weight gain following cessation, impacting ability to quit and relapse.

To determine differences in weight concerns for underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese female smokers by race/ethnicity.

From March to November 2008, female adult tobacco users calling the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline were asked questions to determine the prevalence of obesity and concern for cessation-related weight gain. A score of 50 or greater, where 0=not at all concerned and 100=very concerned, on one of two weight concerns questions defined the outcome. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight. For the current analyses in 2013, race, ethnicity, age, education, marital status, and tobacco use history were examined as covariates. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate ORs and 95% CIs.

A significant interaction between race and BMI was observed; thus, separate models were created for white (n=3,579); black (n=330); American Indian (n=441); and Hispanic (n=125) women. BMI was independently associated with weight concerns among all racial/ethnic groups, but the strength of the association varied. For black and Hispanic women, there was a particularly strong association between BMI and weight concerns among obese women (OR=9.55, 95% CI=5.05, 18.07, and OR=8.46, 95% CI=2.57, 27.83, respectively), although sample sizes were small.

State quitlines should consider tailoring promotional efforts and treatment protocols to include concerns about weight gain, especially for obese African American and Hispanic smokers.