N09025: Food choice and changes in body weight and shape after smoking cessation
Wednesday 12 December 2007
Background
Food choice in smokers is known to be poor and can include low dietary intakes of fruit and vegetables and a diet high in fat. This is independent of social class. Smoking cessation, with resulting nicotine withdrawal and increases in appetite, leads to energy imbalance and weight gain. Weight gain peaks at around 5 kg six months after cessation. Currently there is no controlled trial that has evaluated the impact, upon weight gain, of a programme of food choice advice in people who cease smoking.
Research Approach
This study will deliver a programme of nutritional advice to improve food choice and avoid weight gain associated with stopping smoking. Development of the programme will be guided by the Stages of Change Model. The dietary intervention will take place within existing smoking cessation programmes in Glasgow and a pilot will be carried out to ensure understanding, relevance and acceptability to participants. The study will follow a cluster randomised study design and may include a 12 month follow up.