Modest Physical Activity Prevents Weight Gain in Women After Smoking Cessation

Abstract

PURPOSE: Difficulty with smoking abstinence is often associated with post-cessation weight gain, especially in women. There is a lack of research regarding methods of preventing weight gain after smoking cessation in women. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a moderate intensity exercise program could prevent weight gain in post-cessation women. METHODS: Eight subjects finished the intervention program, which consisted of six units of smoking cessation classes and exercise training three days a week for eight weeks. Subject's exercise prescription consisted of 40 minutes of treadmill walking at 70% of age predicted maximum heart rate. Heart rate measures were validated by a 3-lead EKG monitor. Baseline heart rate, blood pressure, body composition, resting metabolic rate and cholesterol measures were taken pre and post training. RESULTS: Results indicated that there were no significant changes in weight from baseline to post-intervention measurements (baseline 62.5 +/− 8.2, post-intervention 62.9 +/− 5.8 p < 0.05) for the subjects. However, results did indicate that there was a significant difference in HDL-C (mg/dl) levels in the subject's pre-intervention measures compared with post-intervention measures (baseline 44.2 +/− 11.3, post-training 52.5 +/− 11.9 p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate intensity exercise in combination with smoking cessation classes, is able to prevent weight gain in post-cessation women. Moderate intensity exercise along with smoking cessation is also able to significantly increase HDL-C (mg/dl) levels in post cessation women. These results are important for women who are motivated to quit smoking but are concerned with post-cessation weight gain.