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Former smokers gain weight

Former smokers may gain more than nine kilograms after they kick the habit, instead of the two to seven kilograms) commonly cited, new research suggests.

But that's no reason not to quit, the study's authors added. It may be a reason to add weight-control to the mix after quitting, however.

"The (new) findings highlight the need to provide effective dietary and physical activity counselling along with smoking cessation programs," the study authors advised in the current issue of Health Services Research.

The team, from the University of Michigan and the University of California, Berkeley, re-analysed data from the 1998 Lung Health Study of 5 887 American smokers. That study found that those who quit smoking gained an average of nearly 5.5 kilograms.

Average gain of 9 kg
The new analysis concluded that the average weight gain among quitters was actually about nine kilograms. The authors of the new study said the initial analysis excluded morbidly obese smokers and didn't report racial and ethnic information - meaning that caution was needed when applying those initial results to broad population groups.

The researchers used a new statistical method that enabled them to compare "apples to apples," they said in a prepared statement. They recommended that this method be used, when appropriate, in similar future studies.

The researchers emphasised that the new findings do not challenge the substantial overall health benefits gained by quitting smoking. – (HealthDayNews)

Read more:
Stop smoking Centre
Weight loss Centre

July 2006

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