Weight change after smoking cessation in general practice.

Abstract

To examine weight change among patients attending a smoking cessation program administered by general practitioners. Body weight and smoking level were measured at the initial assessment and at a six-month follow-up visit. Pretreatment measures of demographic, attitudinal and smoking-related variables were examined for relationship to weight gain. A total of 235 patients who were part of a smoking cessation study in Sydney. Change in weight over six months. Abstainers (n = 52) gained an average of 4.0 kg, significantly more than continuing smokers who gained an average of 1.2 kg. Among abstainers, only self-ratings of good health predicted weight gain. Results indicate that weight gain among general practice patients following smoking cessation is similar to that in other research settings.