ARE WEIGHT CONCERNS PREDICTIVE OF SMOKING CESSATION - A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Participants in an 8-session, community-based smoking cessation interv ention rated whether they would stay quit if they experienced weight g ain. The majority reported that they would not relapse to smoking, eve n after a 20-lb. (9.07-kg) weight gain. Those who were weight concerne d were more likely to be female, to weigh less and be normal or underw eight, and to report chronic dieting. This group was also significantl y less likely to be abstinent posttreatment, and at the 1-, 6- and 12- month follow-ups. Individuals presenting for formal smoking cessation interventions may be less weight concerned than the general population of smokers. However, weight-concerned smokers who do present for trea tment are less likely to quit smoking. Implications for recruitment an d intervention are discussed.