University researchers found that the reward value of food increases for some smokers when they quit. These smokers have a genetic factor that causes the reaction, which leads to weight gain in the six months following cessation.

Experts say the results of this study are key in proving an association between desire for food and genes.

Researchers examined the rewarding value of food for 71 smokers enrolled in a clinical trial of bupropion. Some were given the smoking cessation drug and some were given a placebo; all received group counseling. Team members recorded smoking status, abstinence symptoms and side effects on a weekly basis. At the end of treatment and at a six-month follow-up appointment, smoking status and weight were recorded again.

Participants were also required to give blood samples and take part in two behavioral sessions to evaluate rewarding values of food.

Looking at both types of dopamine D2 receptor genes, researchers found that participants with the less common kind showed significant increase in the rewarding value of food after they quit smoking, but those that were taking bupropion did not gain much weight.

This suggests that bupropion may be an effective treatment for smokers who are more likely to experience increases in food reward and subsequent weight gain after quitting.

Science Daily September 9, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Over my two decades as a physician, it's become very clear to me that smoking is a minor issue relative to eating properly. In fact, I believe eating sugar is worse than smoking. There's a major risk a smoker will exchange his or her vice for an even worse one (bad eating habits), if the smoker isn't prepared to maintain a healthy diet during the withdrawal process. I regularly caution smokers to not quit smoking prior to changing their diet as most are only able to tolerate a certain level of stress at once and I believe changing one’s diet will have a far more important influence on health than stopping smoking for most people. If you want to quit, I would advise you to avoid prescription medications. Not only are they expensive, but they also can lead to other complications such as: Depression Seizures Suicide Smokers frequently use cigarettes as a form of emotional support, just as overeaters use comfort foods for support. To help you or someone you know to successfully quit and maintain a healthy diet, there are some wonderful tools at your disposal. I highly recommend the new brain wave entrainment therapy that we have recently started offering. It is really inexpensive and is a marvelous tool to help people address their addictive tendencies. Other techniques -- like EFT -- also are an inexpensive and healthy way to get back on the road to better health. Related Articles: If You Smoke Don't Cut Back First Cigarette May Change Teens' Brains and Behavior Sugar Industry Tries to Block World Health Initiative on Obesity Cutting Down on Cigarettes No Cure for Cancer American Cancer Society Now Believes Obesity is as Dangerous as Smoking Cigarettes May Serve As an Antidepressant