The relationship of gender, diet patterns, and body type to weight change following smoking reduction: A multivariate approach

We compared two regression models of posttobacco-reduction weight gain using nutrient intake and other variables as predictors. The first model involved the regression of weight gain, in pounds, against absolute change in the nutrient predictor variables. The second model utilized a data transformation, regressing percent change from initial body weight against change in nutrient: weight ratios. Both models included age, initial body-mass index (BMI), and change in nicotine exposure as additional predictors. Seperate analyses were conducted for each gender and for obese and normal-weight participants. The results indicated that adjusting changes in nutrient intake for weight predicted posttreatment weight gain better than absolute changes in nutrient intake. The most accurate prediction was observed for normal-weight individuals, with both genders simultaneously in the model. Increase in weight was predicted by a decrease in nicotine exposure, a decrease in calories per pound, decrease in carbohydrates per pound, and an increase in a carbohydrate: protein ratio. Neither model predicted weight change for obese participants. These findings suggest that adjusting nutrient intake for body weight obviates the need for seperate examination of each gender, and that a reduction in nicotine exposure is associated with weight gain. The results are consistent with those studies that attribute postcessation weight gain to decreased metabolic activity and reduction in nicotine intake.