Cigarette Smoking and Body Composition in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou Antonios, Metsios Giorgos S, Panoulas Vasileios F, Douglas Karen MJ, Nevill Alan M, Jamurtas Athanasios Z, Kita Marina, Koutedakis Yiannis, Kitas George D
Primary Institution: School of Sport, Performing Arts & Leisure, Wolverhampton University
Hypothesis
This study aimed to identify potential associations of smoking with body weight and composition of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Conclusion
Cigarette smoking is associated with reduced body mass index and body fat in rheumatoid arthritis patients, while heavy smoking is linked to lower muscle mass.
Supporting Evidence
- Current smokers had a significantly lower BMI compared to ex-smokers and never-smokers.
- Current smokers also had lower body fat compared to ex-smokers and never-smokers.
- Heavy smokers exhibited a significantly lower fat-free mass compared to all other participants.
- Smoking cessation associates with increased BMI, body fat, and waist circumference in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- The study suggests that smoking has adverse effects on body composition in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Takeaway
Smoking can make people with rheumatoid arthritis lighter and have less body fat, but if they stop smoking, they might gain weight.
Methodology
A cross-sectional observational study assessing body mass index, body fat, fat-free mass, and waist circumference in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Potential Biases
Self-reported smoking status may lead to under- or over-reporting.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, which limits causal inferences, and body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance, which may not be validated specifically for rheumatoid arthritis.
Participant Demographics
392 patients (290 females, median age: 63.1 years, median disease duration: 10 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -3.5 to -1.7 for BMI differences
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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