Obesity and Smoking: Comparing Cessation Treatment Seekers With the General Smoking Population

Abstract

Obesity and smoking represent the leading preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. This study compared the prevalence of obesity among smokers seeking cessation treatment (n = 1,428) vs. a general population (n = 4,081) of never smokers, former smoker, and current smokers. Data from treatment‐seeking smokers in the Wisconsin Smokers' Health Study (WSHS) and individuals who completed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006 were pooled and obesity rates and other health characteristics were compared. The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among WSHS treatment‐seeking smokers (36.8%) vs. NHANES current smokers (29.6%), but the obesity rates of WSHS treatment‐seeking smokers did not differ from NHANES former smokers (36.5%) or never smokers (36.5%). Treatment‐seeking smokers were more likely to be female and to have higher educational attainment compared to NHANES participants. Analysis of health characteristics revealed that treatment‐seeking smokers had higher levels of dietary fiber and vitamin C and lower blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose compared to NHANES current smokers. Results suggest that treatment‐seeking smokers may have a different health profile than current smokers in the general population. Health care providers should be aware of underlying heath issues, particularly obesity, in patients seeking smoking cessation treatment.

Association Between Obesity and Cigarette Smoking: A Community-Based Study

“…In another study, smoking has no effect on weight [10]. Several studies reported that smoking was associated with lower weights and BMI [11][12][13]. Smoking is also known to be associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes [14][15][16].…”

Smoking-Related Weight Concerns and Obesity: Differences Among Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Smokers Using a Telephone Tobacco Quitline

“…Smokers interested in cessation treatment are more likely to be overweight or obese than are those not interested in quitting (LaRowe, Piper, Schlam, Fiore, & Baker, 2009). Initial evidence also suggests that obese smokers report larger than average weight gain after quitting.…”

Predictors of Smoking Cessation Medication Use among Nonobese and Obese Smokers

“…A recent study found that treatment-seeking smokers are more likely to be obese compared to a general population of smokers (LaRowe, Piper, Schlam, Fiore, & Baker, 2009). Therefore, it is conceivable that predictors of smoking cessation medication may differ among nonobese and obese smokers.…”