Comparing dietary patterns and weight outcomes between smokers and ex-smokers

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Smoking and obesity are significant public health issues linked to chronic diseases.
• Weight gain following smoking cessation is common, but underlying dietary patterns are not well understood.
• Understanding dietary shifts post-cessation is crucial for managing weight and long-term health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare dietary patterns between current smokers and ex-smokers.
• To investigate the relationship between changes in eating behaviors and body weight outcomes after smoking cessation.
• To identify specific food groups associated with weight gain in ex-smokers.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional pilot study conducted in Prishtina, Kosova.
• Involved 500 sedentary employees aged 18+ over six weeks.
• Utilized self-administered questionnaires to collect sociodemographic data, smoking history, and dietary patterns.

Main Results:

• 81% of ex-smokers reported increased appetite post-cessation, leading to greater overall weight gain.
• Ex-smokers consumed higher amounts of protein-rich foods, pastries, sweets, fast food, and healthy foods.
• Increased consumption of pastries, sweets, and fast food correlated with weight gain in ex-smokers.

Conclusions:

• Increased appetite and specific dietary changes, particularly higher intake of sweets and fast food, are associated with weight gain after smoking cessation.
• These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional interventions for ex-smokers.
• Nutritional counseling may be an effective strategy to manage postcessation weight gain and promote healthier eating habits.