Randomised trial, 2000
Does the menstrual cycle phase affect energy intake and metabolism during smoking cessation?
No direct effect from smoking abstinence itself, but the menstrual cycle phase significantly affected energy intake and expenditure, with women consuming and burning more calories during the late luteal phase regardless of smoking status.
What they did
21 women (16 randomized to quit smoking, 5 to continue) stayed in a laboratory for two 7-day periods during different menstrual cycle phases. The quitting group had 2 days of baseline smoking followed by 5 days of abstinence. Researchers measured daily calorie intake, energy expenditure, and weight.
What they found
Smoking abstinence did not significantly affect daily calorie intake, calories from sweet foods, or resting metabolic rate. However, women in the late luteal phase (when premenstrual symptoms are highest) consumed and burned significantly more calories and experienced minor weight gain, regardless of smoking status.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle phase affects how much energy women consume and burn. Women attempting to quit smoking might have better success timing their quit attempt during the follicular phase (first half of cycle) when energy intake is naturally lower.
21
women randomized
16
quit smoking
5
continued smoking
About the study
- Original title
- Energy intake and energy expenditure during the menstrual cycle in short-term smoking cessation
- Authors
- Allen SS, Hatsukami D, Christianson D et al.
- Journal
- Addictive behaviors
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 16
- What was tested
- Smoking abstinence for 5 days (following 2 days of baseline smoking)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4603(00)00074-5
Topics
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