A study of factors associated with weight change in women who attempt smoking cessation

This study investigated behavioral and attitudinal relationships over a 12-week time period in 48 women enrolled in a commercial smoking cessation program who were categorized as non-recidivists (NR), early recidivists (ER) and late recidivists (LR) to cigarette smoking. NR had significantly higher weight gains (F = 6.70), significantly higher levels of physical activity (F = 6.42), and significantly less concern of postsmoking cessation weight gain (F = 5.08) than either two groups of recidivists, (p less than or equal to .05). Other findings, although not significant, were that NR exhibited lower caloric intake and more frequent snacking behaviors than either ER or LR. These results indicate an overall stronger commitment to more positive health behaviors in the NR than those who returned to cigarette smoking.