Relationship of constipation, body mass index increase and cigarette craving with nutrition in the smoking cessation process: A cross-sectional study from Turkey

This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the complaints of constipation, increase in body mass index (BMI) and cigarette craving levels and their relationship with nutrition at the end of the 1st month following quit smoking. Individuals who applied to a Smoking Cessation Clinic in Izmir, Turkey were included in the study (N = 87, mean age 44.13 +/- 12.67 years). Frequent constipation in daily life and greater than 30 g fat consumption increased constipation complaints, whereas increasing the number of cigarettes smoked before quitting decreased constipation complaints. BMI increase was higher in those who experienced severe constipation after quitting smoking. Cigarette cravings increased as the educational level of the participants increased. Individuals who were obese before quitting had lower levels of cigarette craving. During the smoking cessation process, it will be useful to question the situation of constipation in daily life. Studies examining types of fat and fatty acids should be planned.