• Kathryn I Pollak, Rebecca J Namenek Brouwer, Pauline Lyna, Babafemi Taiwo, and Colleen M McBride.
• Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention, Detection and Control Research Program, Hanes House-DUMC 2949, Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710-2949, USA. kathryn.pollak@duke.edu
• Am J Prev Med. 2003 Aug 1; 25 (2): 136139136-9.

BackgroundConcerns about weight gain have been a commonly cited barrier to cessation among white, affluent, female populations, but less is known about this relationship among minority smokers and those with low incomes. Although smoking cessation is strongly encouraged for this population, it often leads to weight gain. Cultural differences in weight standards and the high prevalence of weight-related health conditions (e.g., hypertension and diabetes) may influence concerns about smoking cessation-related weight gain.MethodsA secondary analysis of low-income African-American smokers (n=367) from a randomized intervention trial was conducted to explore the association of weight concerns with comorbidities and smoking cessation.ResultsLess than one quarter of participants were considered concerned about weight, defined as having high general concern about weight and high expectation of post-cessation weight gain. Those for whom weight gain could be riskiest--obese participants--were least concerned about gaining weight. Further, weight concerns were not associated with successful smoking cessation, quit attempts, confidence in quitting, or desire or readiness to quit.ConclusionsBecause post-cessation weight gain may be a serious health threat for this population, but weight gain was not a concern for these smokers, smoking-cessation interventions for low-income African-American smokers may need to incorporate weight-gain education and prevention.

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