Importance of self-weighing to avoid post-cessation weight gain: A secondary analysis of the fit and quit randomized trial

Background: Smoking cessation is associated with weight gain, and the risk of weight gain is a common deterrent to quitting smoking. Thus, the identification of strategies for reducing post-smoking cessation weight gain is critical.

Objective: Conduct secondary analysis of data from the Fit & Quit trial to determine if greater frequency of self-weighing is associated with less weight gain in the context of smoking cessation.

Methods: Participants (N = 305) were randomized to one of three 2-month weight interventions (i.e., Stability, Loss, Bibliotherapy), followed by a smoking cessation intervention. Stability and Loss conditions received different types of self-weighing feedback. All participants received e-scales at baseline, to capture daily self-weighing data over 12 months. General linear models were applied to test the main objective.

Results: Frequency of self-weighing was (mean ± SD) 2.67 ± 1.84 days/week. The Stability condition had significantly higher self-weighing frequency (3.18 ± 1.72 days/week) compared to the Loss (2.51 ± 1.99 days/week) and the Bibliotherapy conditions (2.22 ± 1.63 days/week). Adjusting for baseline weight and treatment condition, self-weighing 3-4 days/week was associated with weight stability (-0.77 kg, 95% CI: -2.2946, 0.7474, p = 0.3175), and self-weighing 5 or more days/week was associated with 2.26 kg weight loss (95% CI: -3.9249, -0.5953, p = 0.0080).

Conclusions: Self-weighing may serve as a useful tool for weight gain prevention after smoking cessation. Feedback received about self-weighing behaviors and weight trajectory (similar to the feedback Stability participants received) might enhance adherence.