Effects of smoking status on content of caloric intake and energy expenditure

Cigarette smoking is linked with lower body weight and may be associated with alterations in caloric intake and energy expenditure (i.e., energy balance). However, the direct effects of smoking on content and pattern of energy balance are unclear because of possible confounding of smoking status with mediating variables related to energy balance, such as body weight and aerobic fitness. The present study compared daily caloric and nutrient intake, participation in leisure time activities, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) following overnight smoking abstinence between male smokers (n = 29) and nonsmokers (n = 21), with groups equated on age, body weight, and fitness. Results showed smokers reported being less active than nonsmokers, but there were no differences in RMR, total caloric intake, or pattern of nutrient intake. These findings indicate that, even after controlling for body weight and aerobic fitness, smoking status is independently associated with a less active lifestyle but may not have any direct effects on dietary content or RMR.