Comparative Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Medications among Obese Smokers

Objective I: To compare the continuous abstinence rates of FDA-approved smoking cessation medication strategies during a) 3 months, b) 6 months, and b) 12 months follow up period among obese smokers. Hypothesis (Ha): Abstinence rates among obese smokers using varenicline will be higher compared to obese smokers using bupropion during a)3, b)6, and c)12 month follow-up after treatment initiation. Objective II: To compare the post-cessation weight gain between the two FDA-approved smoking cessation medications during: a) 3 months, b) 6 months, and c) 12 months of follow up period. Hypothesis (Ha): Obese smokers using bupropion experience lesser weight gain compared to those obese smokers using varenicline during a)3, b)6, and c)12 month follow-up after treatment initiation. Objective III: To compare the risk of developing diabetes following smoking cessation during the first year follow up among obese smokers between the FDA-approved smoking cessation medications (bupropion and varenicline). Hypothesis (Ha): Obese smokers using bupropion are less likely to develop diabetes following smoking cessation during a 1-year follow up compared to those using varenicline.