Regardless of weight gain due to smoking cessation, the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke decreases after stopping, researchers at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) have confirmed, the hospital said Wednesday.

Professors Lee Ki-heon (left) and Professor Park Sang-min

Smoking cessation has many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. However, during the early stages of smoking cessation, the effect of nicotine, which suppresses appetite and increases energy consumption, disappears, causing weight gain and rise in blood sugar levels, it said.

Such aspect had made many smokers worry that if they stop smoking, their health will deteriorate. The research team, led by Professors Lee Ki-heon of SNUBH and Professor Park Sang-min of the same department at the Seoul National University Hospital, focused on proving that weight gain after smoking cessation does not change its protective effects on myocardial infarction and stroke.

Using the big data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), the team examined 108,242 men aged 40 or older who had received a total of two health screenings in 2002 to 2003 and 2004 to 2005. It then analyzed the correlation between weight gain, myocardial infarction and stroke occurrence after smoking cessation.

“Even after weight gain the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke was reduced by 67 and 25 percent, respectively, compared to those who continued smoking,” said Kim Kyu-woong, a researcher who participated in the study. “In the smoking cessation group, weight gain after quitting had little to no effect on raising myocardial infarction risks.”

Professor Lee and Park also stressed the benefits of giving up smoking and noted that it is essential to consult with an expert to increase the chance of succeeding in quitting.

“The study, which analyzed the big data of nearly 110,000 people, showed that weight gain does not hinder the beneficial effects of smoking cessation,” Lee said. “It is important to choose the best therapy method such as behavior therapy with a doctor, nicotine replacement therapy, drug therapy that suits the person to increase the probability of success of smoking cessation.”

Personalized education and counseling are also needed so that smoking does not occur again due to the increased weight after smoking cessation, the professor added.

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