Effects of smoking cessation on consumption of alcohol and sweet, high-fat foods

Smoking cessation may have significant effects on consumption of certain foods and other substances which may influence health. This study of seven young female smokers examined consumption of alcohol, coffee, soda, and sweets (sweet, high-fat foods) across 3 weeks, involving baseline ad lib smoking (week 1), complete cessation (week 2), and resumption of smoking (week 3). TV watching (i.e., nondietary activity) and subjective measures of craving and tension-anxiety also were assessed. Results showed increased intake of sweets and, to a lesser extent, alcohol after cessation which was reversed upon resumption of smoking. There were no significant changes across weeks in other substances. The changes in alcohol and sweet intake did not appear to be related directly to the subjective changes. These findings indicate that smoking cessation, a behavior change which promotes health, may lead to alterations in consumption of other substances, which may have adverse effects on health risk.