The effects of short-term smoking cessation on metabolic syndrome parameters

Objective: Smoking cigarettes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are among preventable health problems. On the other hand, smoking cessation may also lead to gaining weight and MetS. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of short-term smoking cessation on MetS parameters. Materials and methods:The study was performed in 150 subjects willing to cease cigarette smoking. Varenicline or bupropion was started to the subjects ceasing smoking as a supportive treatment, and current diet exercises were continued. MetS incidence was evaluated before and at week 12 with the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III). Results: Of 150 subjects, 74 continued smoking cessation at week 12. Compared to the baseline values, it was seen that body weight (p<0.001), waist circumference (WC) (p<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001) and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (p<0.001) levels increased at the 12th week. However, blood pressure (BP), blood glucose and triglyceride (TG) levels remained unchanged. Presence of MetS was found 8.1% at the baseline and 17.6% at the end of the study (p=0.118). Of all subjects, while present in 43.2% at initial, WC criteria for MetS, then, increased to 54.1% at week 12 (p=0.039). Although present in 68.9% of subjects at the baseline, HDL-cholesterol criteria decreased to 50.0% at week 12 (p=0.001). Conclusions: Although an increase was observed in WC, body weight and BMI, we observed no changes in MetS frequency within 12-week period. Administration of appropriate calorie-restricting diet and exercise may prevent weight gain and MetS to develop after smoking cessation. © 2018 A. CARBONE Editore. All rights reserved