Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Women Can Quit Smoking and Control Weight Gain

Women Can Quit Smoking and Control Weight Gain

November 20, 2009

CHICAGO --- Many women don't quit smoking because they are afraid of gaining weight. That's because nicotine suppresses the appetite and boosts a smoker's metabolism.

But a new meta-analysis (results of several studies) shows that women who quit smoking while receiving treatment for weight control are better able to control their weight gain and are more successful at quitting cigarettes.




The finding disproves current clinical guidelines that say trying to diet and quit smoking at the same time will sabotage efforts to ditch cigarettes.

"Women who smoke often feel caught between a rock and hard place, because they're concerned about their health but also concerned about their appearance," said Bonnie Spring, lead author of the study and a professor of preventive medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "Now they don't have to choose between the two."

Previously, it was assumed that a person could only change one health risk behavior at a time. "But these findings show that, at least in the case of smoking and eating, you actually get an added benefit when you try to change a couple of behaviors at once," Spring said.

Recently published in the journal Addiction, Spring's paper examined the results from 2,233 smokers in 10 studies from 1991 to 2007.

The study showed that women whose treatment addressed both smoking and weight control were 29 percent more likely to quit smoking in the short term (at three months) and 23 percent in the long term (from six to 14 months) than those whose treatment addressed only smoking. Women whose treatment included smoking and weight control also gained less weight than those whose treatment included only smoking. They gained an average of 2.1 pounds less in the short term and 2.5 pounds less in the long term.

Spring hopes the study results will change doctors' attitudes and current clinical guidelines about combining weight control and smoking cessation. "Perhaps this news also will encourage more women to quit," she added, noting that cigarette smoking kills an estimated 178,000 women in the U.S. each year. About 17.4 percent of women in the U.S. smoke.

Her meta-analysis looked at different kinds of approaches to weight control.

"Some worked better than others, " she said. "Now we need different investigators to test out those most promising treatments to see if they get the same good results."

More studies also are needed that offer longer-term intervention for weight and smoking cessation. The literature on weight control shows patients lose the benefit when they stop treatment, Spring pointed out.

"We're in the right ball park, we just need refine our pitch," she said.

Northwestern University



Related Smoking Current Events and Smoking News Articles Smoking Current Events and Smoking News RSS Smoking Current Events and Smoking News RSS
Nicotine replacement therapy is over-promoted since most ex-smokers quit unassisted
Health authorities should emphasize the positive message that the most successful method used by most ex-smokers is unassisted cessation, despite the promotion of cessation drugs by pharmaceutical companies and many tobacco control advocates.

Study reveals new details on the dangers of third-hand smoke
Nicotine in third-hand smoke, the residue from tobacco smoke that clings to virtually all surfaces long after a cigarette has been extinguished, reacts with the common indoor air pollutant nitrous acid to produce dangerous carcinogens.

Scientists identify first genetic variant linked to biological aging in humans
Scientists announced today (7 Feb) they have identified for the first time definitive variants associated with biological ageing in humans. The team analyzed more than 500,000 genetic variations across the entire human genome to identify the variants which are located near a gene called TERC.

More smokers than non-smokers accept HPV vaccination for their daughters
A parent's existing health habits or behaviors, like cigarette smoking, may influence the likelihood that they will have their daughters vaccinated against HPV.

Soft drink consumption may increase risk of pancreatic cancer
Consuming two or more soft drinks per week increased the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by nearly twofold compared to individuals who did not consume soft drinks, according to a report in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Low production of serotonin in the brainstem a likely cause for SIDS
Taking the next step in more than 20 years of research, researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have linked sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) with low production of serotonin in the brainstem, based on a comparison of brainstem samples from infants dying of SIDS compared to brainstems of infants dying from other, known causes.

Growth factor gene shown to be a key to cleft palate
Cleft palate has been linked to dozens of genes. During their investigation of one of these genes, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis were surprised to find that cleft palate occurs both when the gene is more active and when it is less active than normal.

Cost to patients barrier to counseling for obesity and smoking
Reducing obesity and smoking have become national priorities in the United States. Research has shown that intensive counseling can positively impact each problem.

Grandpa's broken hip may mean weaker bones for his grandsons
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, shows that hip fractures in grandfathers are linked to low bone density and reduced bone size in their grandsons.

Study Says Lead May Be the Culprit in ADHD
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is among the costliest of behavioral disorders. Its combination of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity leads to accidental injuries, school failure, substance abuse, antisocial behavior and more. Yet despite nearly a century of study, the disorder's roots remain mysterious.
More Smoking Current Events and Smoking News Articles
The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non-Smokers Using Allen Carr's Easyway Method

The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non-Smokers Using Allen Carr's Easyway Method
by Allen Carr (Author)

A new edition of the revolutionary bestseller, with four million copies in print. Allen Carr’s innovative Easyway method—which he discovered after his own 100-cigarette-a-day habit nearly drove him to despair—has helped millions kick smoking without feeling anxious and deprived. That’s because he helps smokers discover the psychological reasons behind their dependency, explains in detail how to handle the withdrawal symptoms, shows them how to avoid situations when temptation might become too strong, and enables them to stay smoke-free. Carr discusses such issues as nicotine addiction; the social “brainwashing” that encourages smoking; the false belief that a cigarette relieves stress; the role boredom plays in sabotaging efforts to stop; and the main reasons for failure. With...

Smoking Food: A Beginner's Guide

Smoking Food: A Beginner's Guide
by Chris Dubbs (Author), Dave Heberle (Author)

Everything you need to know about home smoking.
In Smoking Food, Chris Dubbs and Dave Heberle assure us that smoking is an art, not a science, and they fearlessly reveal that art's essentials—and how simple they can be. They explain how to choose the best fuels (you can use corncobs!), how to build smokers from old refrigerators and cardboard boxes, and, of course, how to smoke everything from turkeys to turtles. Their advice is as ingenious and cost-conscious as any given by Alton Brown. Aware of the needs and wants of the modern cook, they include low-sodium preparations, alternatives to preservatives like sodium nitrite, and thoughts on safely handling meat. With more than one hundred recipes and tips for making brines, marinades, cheeses, appetizers, soups, and main dishes,...

Hide-it, Zippo Lighter Style Smoking Pipe

Hide-it, Zippo Lighter Style Smoking Pipe

This pipe looks like a Zippo lighter. You can put it in a purse or handbag. No one will know.

Mastering the Craft of Smoking Food

Mastering the Craft of Smoking Food
by Warren R. Anderson (Author)

Here is an exceptionally complete guide to making real smoked food at home that tastes far better than commercially made products.

How To Quit Smoking Even If You Don't Want To

How To Quit Smoking Even If You Don't Want To
by Barbara Miller (Author)

People often say, "I am not ready to quit smoking." This book gives you a step by step plan that will show you how to get ready to quit. Quitting smoking is like going into battle. With this plan in place you will be ready to win!

You will learn how to develop your will power and tap into an incredible source of "Self-Power." This plan shows you exactly what to do.

It is textbook format with ten brainstorming exercises you must do. People who smoke are often on "auto-pilot-thinking." This plan interupts the "auto-pilot" and shows you how to re-write the script.

It is true, you do not have to want to quit smoking but you do have to want to change something about how you make decisions. It is not complicated. As a matter of fact it is all very easy. By doing the exercises...

Quit: Read This Book and Stop Smoking (Running Press Miniature Editions)

Quit: Read This Book and Stop Smoking (Running Press Miniature Editions)
by Charles Wetherall (Author)

The classic anti-smoking bestseller, revised and updated for the 21st century, is now coming to our Miniature Edition(R) line! With an estimated 45 million smokers in the U.S. and smoking-related diseases claiming 438,000 American lives each year, a revision of this perennial bestseller is just what the doctor ordered. Now in our pocket-sized, accessible Miniature Edition(R) format, fully updated with the most current disease and smoking statistics and its positive, persuasive message, this book will help a whole new generation of smokers quit.

Brand New in Box Classic Tobacco Smoking Pipe

Brand New in Box Classic Tobacco Smoking Pipe
by Rollingforce

This is a beautiful smoking pipe. It is detachable into three pieces for easy cleaning. The pipe includes replacement auxiliary rubber rings, which are used to seal the detachment and one filter. This is the perfect gift for yourself or a beloved pipe smoker. Very old style, vintage type pipe. Small holes in bowl head allow for even smoke distribution with no need for a screen. Anti clog mouth peace will ensure you are ready to smoke at a moments notice!

A Talk With Your Kids About Smoking - An Anti-Smoking Anti-Tobacco Educational Video for Teen Smoking Prevention - for Grades 6-12

A Talk With Your Kids About Smoking - An Anti-Smoking Anti-Tobacco Educational Video for Teen Smoking Prevention - for Grades 6-12
Directed By: Patrick Reynolds

Acclaimed as the best and most up-to-date video for families on youth smoking prevention. This multimedia presentation has award-winning TV spots, film clips, photos and graphics, and includes a live talk by Patrick Reynolds to 1,000 ninth graders. A Talk With Your Kids About Smoking helps empower youth to stay tobacco free and drug free. View this video together with your children, and use the included Parent's Discussion Guide to discuss afterwards. The video emphasizes the addictiveness of nicotine, and opens students' eyes to how tobacco advertising manipulates youth. Tobacco ads are shown for candy-flavored Camels -- 'Warm Winter Toffee', 'Kauai Kolada', and 'Winter Mocha Mint'. Also shown are KOOL's cigarettes packages with drawings of hip hop artists, rappers and...

Meat Smoking And Smokehouse Design

Meat Smoking And Smokehouse Design
by Stanley Marianski (Author), Robert Marianski (Contributor), Adam Marianski (Contributor)

Most books on smoking just give some elementary information and then are filled with recipes; this book is the reverse, scholarly information and theory as it applies to smoking meats and a few recipes that will get one started. While various recipes usually get the spotlight, it is the authors’ opinion that the technical know-how behind preparing meats and sausages is far more important. There is a section with some basic recipes, but after reading the book one should be able to create his own recipes without much effort. The book explains differences between grilling, barbecuing and smoking. The sections on smokehouse design include over 200 construction diagrams and photos that cover most known methods: masonry, portable, wood, concrete, and drum smokers. After reading this book a...

LifeSign QuitKey Smoking Cessation Computer

LifeSign QuitKey Smoking Cessation Computer
by LifeSign

QuitKey alters your smoking routine and eases you off cigarettes gradually. QuitKey reminds you when to smoke and when not to smoke. Step by step. Hour by hour. One day at a time. The QuitKey approach to quit smoking culminates 20 years of research. It was developed and proven effective with grants from the National Institutes of Health and builds on the enormous success of LifeSign, a first generation smoking cessation computer that uses the same gradual reduction technology. QuitKey works in two stages. Stage 1 (7 days): You smoke at your normal rate and use the QuitKey smoke button to record every cigarette you smoke. QuitKey uses this information to form your personal quit plan. Stage 2 (14 to 34 days): QuitKey helps you follow your quit plan by prompting you when to...

© 2010 BrightSurf.com