American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 26, 385-386, Copyright © 1973 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Effect of cessation of smoking on body weight after myocardial infarction

¹ From the Coronary Heart Disease Research Unit, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland

One hundred twenty-four patients who survived a first coronary attack and who were current cigarette smokers were studied to determine if continuous advice and supervision by a dietitian might prevent weight gain in those who stopped smoking.

Sixty patients had stopped smoking, 36 had reduced, and 28 had continued at the end of the 2 years. No significant initial or long-term weight gain was noted in the three groups.

Reports in the literature confirm a significant weight gain in subjects who stop smoking but, in the authors' experience, such a weight gain will not occur among coronary patients if appropriate dietary advice and supervision is provided over the long term.