WEIGHT-GAIN AS A FUNCTION OF SMOKING CESSATION AND 2-MG NICOTINE GUM USE AMONG MIDDLE-AGED SMOKERS WITH MILD LUNG IMPAIRMENT IN THE 1ST 2 YEARS OF THE LUNG-HEALTH-STUDY

The extent and predictors of weight change were assessed among sustain ed nonsmoking special intervention participants in the Lung Health Stu dy. The intervention included a 12-session group program and 2-mg nico tine gum. At 12 months, female sustained quitters (SQs; n = 248) had g ained a mean of 8.4% (5.3 kg) of their baseline weight, whereas male S Qs (n = 443) had gained 6.7% (5.5 kg). By 24 months, female SQs had ga ined 9.8% of their baseline weight compared with 6.9% for men. Nicotin e gum usage delayed a portion of the weight gain. Multiple regression analysis showed that weight gain at 12 months was associated with a hi gher baseline salivary cotinine level, a lower baseline body mass inde x, drinking less alcohol per week, and a lower continine level at 12 m onths (indicating less or no nicotine gum use). We conclude that moder ate weight gain is a long-tern consequence of smoking cessation-a port ion of which can be delayed with 2-mg nicotine gum.