Smoking status, dietary intake, and physical activity in a sample of working adults

The present study examined differences in dietary intake and physical activity by smoking status in a sample of 3,250 working adults. Cross-sectionally, current smokers consumed alcohol, dairy products, meat, eggs, and french fries more frequently, and engaged in leisure time physical activity less frequently, than former or never smokers. Over 2 years, current smokers increased their intake of meat, soft drinks, eggs, and total calories from high fat and high calorie foods compared to never or former smokers. Smokers who quit during the 2-year observation period increased their frequency of sweets consumption. Dietary and physical activity variables appear to be weak predictors of postcessation weight change. Implications for studies of chronic disease etiology and mechanisms of postcessation weight gain are discussed.