Preliminary evidence suggests that sequentially changing smoking alongside other risk behaviors was more effective than simultaneous change .
Follow-up period and intervention characteristics impacted effectiveness for some outcomes .
Interventions comprising education ( e.g. , providing information about behaviors associated with health risks ) and skills training ( e.g. , teaching skills that equip participants to engage in less risky behavior ) and targeting multiple risk behaviors concurrently are associated with small changes in diet and physical activity .
Although on average smoking was reduced , it appeared changes in smoking were negatively associated with changes in other behaviors , suggesting it may not be optimal to target smoking simultaneously with other risk behaviors
CONTEXT Multiple risk behaviors are common and associated with developing chronic conditions such as heart disease , cancer , or Type 2 diabetes .
Changes in body weight and food choice in those attempting smoking cessation: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Background Fear of weight gain is a barrier to smoking cessation and significant cause of relapse for many people . The provision of nutritional advice as part of a smoking cessation programme may assist some in smoking cessation and perhaps limit weight gain . The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a structured programme of dietary advice on weight change and food choice , in adults attempting smoking cessation . Methods Cluster r and omised controlled design . Classes r and omised to intervention commenced a 24-week intervention , focussed on improving food choice and minimising weight gain .  Classes r and omised to control received “ usual care ” . Results Twenty-seven classes in Greater Glasgow were r and omised between January and August 2008 . Analysis , including those who continued to smoke , showed that actual weight gain and percentage weight gain was similar in both groups . Examination of data for those successful at giving up smoking showed greater mean weight gain in intervention subjects ( 3.9 ( SD 3.1 ) vs. 2.7 ( SD 3.7 ) kg ) . Between group differences were not significant ( p = 0.23 , 95 % CI −0.9 to 3.5 ) . In comparison to baseline improved consumption of fruit and vegetables and breakfast cereal were reported in the intervention group . A higher percentage of control participants continued smoking ( 74 % vs. 66 % ) . Conclusions The intervention was not successful at minimising weight gain in comparison to control but was successful in facilitating some sustained improvements in the dietary habits of intervention participants . Improved quit rates in the intervention group suggest that continued contact with advisors may have reduced anxieties regarding weight gain and encouraged cessation despite weight gain . Research should continue in this area as evidence suggests that the negative effects of obesity could outweigh the health benefits achieved through reductions in smoking prevalence . Trial registration Current Controlled Trials IS RCT
Preliminary evidence suggests that sequentially changing smoking alongside other risk behaviors was more effective than simultaneous change .
Follow-up period and intervention characteristics impacted effectiveness for some outcomes .
Interventions comprising education ( e.g. , providing information about behaviors associated with health risks ) and skills training ( e.g. , teaching skills that equip participants to engage in less risky behavior ) and targeting multiple risk behaviors concurrently are associated with small changes in diet and physical activity .
Although on average smoking was reduced , it appeared changes in smoking were negatively associated with changes in other behaviors , suggesting it may not be optimal to target smoking simultaneously with other risk behaviors
CONTEXT Multiple risk behaviors are common and associated with developing chronic conditions such as heart disease , cancer , or Type 2 diabetes .