Nicotine inhaler reduces post-cessation weight gain

Authors:
Åsa Waltermo, Tobias Danielsson and Åke Westin

Presenter:
Åsa Waltermo
Research Associate, McNeil AB, Helsingborg, Sweden

Abstract
Background: Weight gain is a common reason for relapse to smoking during a quit attempt and needs to be addressed when advising about cessation treatment. Nicotine gum and lozenges have been shown
to delay post cessation weight gain. This analysis evaluates the
effect on weight gain when quitting smoking with nicotine inhaler (Nicorette ® Inhaler, McNeil AB, Helsingborg, Sweden).

Objective: To evaluate the effect on weight gain with nicotine inhaler compared with placebo, at end of treatment and at a post treatment follow-up visit six month after quit day, in a meta-analysis of available studies.

Methods: Four randomised, placebo-controlled studies with long-term follow up were identified and included in the analysis. Abstinent subjects at end of treatment and after six months were selected for the analysis.

Result: There was a significant difference in weight gain at end of treatment after three months. In total 165 abstinent subjects on active treatment and 81 on placebo had a mean difference in weight gain of -0.84 kg (95% CI: -1.47, -0.20, p <0.01). The difference was similar in the 131/65 abstinent smokers after six month: -0.82 kg (95% CI: -1.79, 0.15, ns)

Conclusion: Weight increase during treatment with nicotine inhaler is delayed to a similar extent as when using nicotine gum.

Source of funding: All authors work for McNeil AB, manufacturer of the product that is evaluated in this meta-analyses, and all included studies are sponsored by McNeil AB.

Declaration of interest: All authors work for McNeil AB, manufacturer of NRT products