Differences in resting energy expenditure between black and white smokers: implications for postcessation weight gain.

Abstract

To examine differences in resting energy expenditure (REE) between black and white smokers in order to determine whether REE might contribute to postcessation weight gain. Cross-sectional and prospective investigation of ethnic differences in REE. Differences in REE between black and white smokers were examined at baseline while all participants were smoking, and again during 2 weeks of abstinence from smoking. Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Sixty-six black and 112 white smokers (age 30.4 y; cigarettes per day 21.4; weight 71.7 kg; body mass index 24.5 kg/m2). Black smokers had a significantly lower baseline REE after adjusting for gender and body weight. Changes in REE following smoking cessation did not differ by ethnicity. These results suggest that black smokers may be more energy efficient, which could contribute to ethnic differences in postcessation weight gain.