BMI Change in a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 2 Dosages of Sustained-Release Bupropion for Adolescent Smoking Cessation

Background: Weight gain after quitting smoking is a barrier to cessation, particularly in younger smokers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial of sustained-release bupropion in adolescents, ages 14-17 (N = 312) demonstrated that 300 mg/d, plus brief counseling had short-term efficacy for smoking cessation. Initial investigation for this study suggested a change in body mass index (BMI) among study participants and this change may be related to the bupropion dose. The objective of this post-hoc analysis is to determine if there is a statistically significant change in BMI among participants and if this varies by dose. Method: This analysis will use data from weekly participant assessments over a 6 week period during study intervention. Other potential predictors, including final quit smoking status, gender, race, prior dependence addiction, and reported concern for weight gain were also investigated. Results: Marginal analysis identified treatment group, gender and concern for weight change as potential predictors to be included in a regression model. Multivariate linear regression results demonstrated that while controlling for final quit status and treatment group, concern for weight gain (p=0.025) and being female (p=0.039) were positively associated with change in BMI at week 6 of the intervention. A linear mixed model, taking into account the random-effects of participant and weekly visit, indicated significant differences in treatment groups. Specifically, positive change in BMI is inversely related to taking 300mg/d of buprorion versus placebo for smoking cessation (p<0.000). Conclusion: Adolescents taking 300mg/d bupropion for smoking cessation demonstrated changes in BMI.