Food Addiction Does Not Explain Weight Gain in Smoking Cessation
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Abstract
Introduction: Weight gain during smoking cessation is a major concern. The relationship between smoking and weight is complex and not well understood. There is interest in substitution of nicotine with food. Aims: This study investigates whether the development of food addiction explains weight gain following a quit smoking attempt. Methods: This study was a subset of a larger study investigating smoking cessation in New Zealand. Participants were assessed on five visits over a 1-year period. Using validated instruments, measurements for smoking, weight, food intake, craving and food addiction were taken. Results: Among the 256 participants, 54.7% attended at least one follow-up. Food addiction prevalence at baseline was 0.8%. 14.5% were quit at early follow-up and 14.8% at late follow-up. Weight gain was found in abstainers compared to those still smoking. No increase in food addiction was detected. Conclusion: The development of food addiction does not play a prominent role in post quit weight gain. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying weight gain mechanisms.
Keywords
Smoking, Smoking Cessation, Quitting smoking
Publication Title
Journal of Smoking Cessation
Divisions
fac_med
Volume
13
Issue
2
Publisher
Cambridge University Press