The Effect of a High Protein Diet Versus a Low Fat Diet on Body Weight After Smoking Cessation

The Effect of a High Protein Diet Versus a Low Fat Diet on Body Weight and Composition, Total Energy Expenditure, Metabolic Risk Factors and Eating Behavior After Smoking Cessation

The purpose of this study is to determine whether subjects following a high protein diet will gain less in weight after smoking cessation compared to subjects following a low fat diet due to the effects of protein on metabolic rate and hunger.

Sustained smoking cessation is one of the most effective therapies to avoid premature morbidity and mortality. However, weight gain associated with nicotine withdrawal may attenuate some of the beneficial health effects and is cited as a major obstacle to quit smoking. The mechanism for the weight gain is not elucidated but reduced resting metabolic rate, reduced total energy expenditure, increased caloric intake and changes in fat metabolism may be involved. Elucidating effective strategies to prevent or reduce post-cessation weight gain may improve health outcomes of smoking cessation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Smoking 10 cigarettes per day, BMI 25-40

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recent change in weight, contra-indications to use varenicline, a medication to assist smoking cessation