Nation IN BRIEF : MISSOURI : Weight Risk Noted After Smokers Quit

Many people risk unhealthy weight gain when they stop smoking, but that doesn’t mean they should keep lighting up, the author of a new study of identical twins said. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, found that health risks from gaining weight can offset the benefits of giving up tobacco if quitters aren’t careful. “Smoking is a terrible scourge on health,” Dr. Seth Eisen said. “Our study does not mean that people should not stop smoking. I see our study as being a warning to people that when they do stop smoking, they need to be aware of their weight.” Eisen teaches medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. The study showed that smokers were, on average, six to eight pounds lighter than their nonsmoking twins.