Potentiation of cigarette craving and satisfaction by two types of meals

This study investigated the effects of consuming different meal types on cigarette craving and satisfaction. Twelve heavy smokers were tested on three evenings. Each day, they smoked three cigarettes and received either a solid meal, an equicaloric liquid meal, or no meal. Subjects smoked the first cigarette one half hour after the experiment began, the second immediately after finishing the meal, and the third 35 min after smoking the second cigarette. Cigarette craving increased most after the solid meal, less so after the liquid meal, and least after no meal. Subjects reported that the cigarette after the solid meal tasted the best, was the most satisfying, enjoyable, and desirable as compared to the cigarette following no meal at all. These results indicate that there is a robust postprandial enhancement of cigarette smoking after a solid meal but less after a liquid meal.