Weight change among registered nurses in a self-help smoking cessation program

Weight-related beliefs, attitudes, and patterns of weight change were analyzed for 144 registered nurses followed for one year in a self-help smoking cessation study. Smoking history and outcome status, physical descriptors, weight orientation, and use of self-help smoking cessation materials were examined in relation to weight change. A multiple regression analysis which included all subjects yielded three predictors of weight gain: continuous abstainer smoking status, lower body mass index, and greater fear of weight gain. A logistic regression confirmed the influence of smoking status at outcome on weight change. Abstinence was associated with weight gain; continuous abstainers were more likely to gain weight (88.2%) than noncontinuous abstainers (50%) and never quitters (35.9%). Weight variables were found to be interrelated, forming an ''eating orientation'' linked to smoking behavior.