WEIGHT CHANGE AMONG PARTICIPANTS IN A LARGE SAMPLE MINIMAL CONTACT SMOKING RELAPSE PREVENTION TRIAL

Weight at baseline and posttreatment was measured for 1096 participants in a smoking relapse prevention trial: 42.1% maintained their weight, 42.5% gained more than 1 kg and 15.4% lost more than 1 kg during the eight-week treatment program. Abstainers (n = 383) gained more than four times the weight gained by relapsers (n = 713) (Abstainers: 1.6 kg, Relapsers: 0.4 kg, p < .0001). In order to examine the anorexic properties of nicotine gum, Abstainers were classified into nicotine gum user and non-user categories. Users gained significantly less weight than non-users although the difference was small (Users: 1.1 kg, Non-users: 1.8 kg, p < .004). A dose-response relationship was observed between number of cigarettes smoked per day at baseline and weight gain. Higher cigarette consumption was associated with increased weight gain in both gum user (p < .004), and non-user groups (p < .02). There was no significant difference in weight gain between Abstainers who later relapsed at 6 months and those who maintained abstinence (p < .29). Although the impact of nicotine gum on weight gain was small, this apparent property of the substance may be useful in encouraging cessation among smokers who perceive weight gain as a potential stumbling block to success. © 1990.