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Weight change after smoking cessation using variable doses of transdermal nicotine replacement
L C Dale1, D R Schroeder, T D Wolter
1Nicotine Dependence Center, Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|February 14, 1998
Summary
Higher doses of transdermal nicotine replacement may delay weight gain after smoking cessation. This effect was observed in both men and women, though long-term predictors of weight change remain unclear.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Trials
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy
- Smoking Cessation
Background:
- Weight gain is a common concern for individuals attempting to quit smoking.
- Nicotine's role in metabolism and appetite regulation is a subject of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying doses of transdermal nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on weight change in smokers undergoing cessation.
- To explore potential correlations between weight change and factors like nicotine replacement levels, baseline characteristics, and demographics.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving 70 subjects.
- Subjects received placebo or 11, 22, or 44 mg/d transdermal nicotine for 8 weeks, following a 1-week inpatient treatment.
- Biochemical verification of smoking abstinence (expired carbon monoxide) and follow-up for up to 1 year.
Main Results:
- Among 42 biochemically confirmed nonsmokers, 8-week weight gain averaged 3.0 kg.
- Weight change was negatively correlated with cotinine replacement percentage and positively with baseline weight and age.
- Men exhibited greater weight gain (4.0 kg) than women (2.1 kg) at 8 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Higher nicotine replacement levels may attenuate postcessation weight gain.
- This effect appears consistent across genders.
- No specific factors were identified to predict weight change during long-term smoking abstinence.