The effect of cigarette type on anthropometrics and weight of PLWH

Background:The effects of cigarette smoking on body weight have rendered disparate results.This study explores this relationship among people living with HIV (PLWH).This population has a high smoking prevalence and is experiencing a steady increase in obesity rate.Noteworthy, they are frequent users of mentholated cigarettes, a type of cigarette frequently marketed for its flavor and slimming effect.Methods: We used the baseline information collected in our randomized clinical trial for smokers living with HIV.Smoking history was obtained using self-report surveys (e.g.Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence) and smoking status was confirmed weekly via expired breath carbon monoxide.Anthropometrics were obtained using standardized procedures, and covariates including sociodemographics, diet, exercise, and previous weight were collected.Logistic regressions were used to examine associations between overweight (BMI>25kg/mg 2 ) and obese (BMI>30 kg/m 2 ) participants, smoking history, and cigarette type.Results: At baseline, participants (n=200) were, on average, 51.7±6.7 years old, and smoked an average of 14.9 ± 5 cigarettes/day.Only a third were eutrophic, and females were heavier than males (31.2±8.6 vs. 26.5±5.5, p=.02).The odds of obesity were higher among individuals older than 60 years of age than in those less than 20 (OR=3.1 95% CI: 1.2-8.0p=0.001).PLWH who smoked menthol-flavored cigarettes had significantly higher BMI scores than non-menthol smokers (29.2±7.8 vs. 25.2±4.4,p=.02).Likewise, smokers of mentholated cigarettes had increased odds of abdominal obesity (OR=1.4,95%; CI: 1-1.6, p=.05), compared to their non-menthol counterparts. Conclusion:Obesity is a prevalent problem in this population, particularly among females.Here we show that differences in body weight are not the result of differential activity level, rather it is associated with the use of mentholated cigarettes.