Smoking status and weight loss in three weight loss programs

The purpose of the study was to examine differences in current, former, and never smokers' weight loss in three comprehensive weight loss programs. Archival data from 389 overweight participants enrolled in three comprehensive weight loss programs were analyzed. The programs differed in length and by type of diet (food-based low calorie diet, partial meal replacement low calorie diet, and supplement-based very low calorie diet). Significant differences in weight loss were found among former, current, and never smokers in one weight loss program (partial meal replacement low calorie diet). Post hoc analyses showed that former smokers lost significantly more weight than current smokers. Results suggest that current smokers are not more successful at behavioral weight loss than former smokers, and if anything, are less successful. Former smokers do not appear to have difficulty losing weight compared to current and never smokers.