Comparing Two Treatments That Both Target Smoking Cessation and Weight Loss at the Same Time. (BREATH)
Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Smoking Cessation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- between 18-64 years old
- have been a regular smoker for at least three years
- meet DSM-IV criteria for nicotine dependence
- smoke on average 10 cigarettes per day
- are overweight or obese (25<BMI<40)
- report motivation to quit smoking and lose weight
- speak English.
Exclusion Criteria:
- engaged in a smoking cessation or weight loss intervention
- use medications known to affect smoking cessation or weight loss
- have a medical condition that is a contraindication for transdermal nicotine patch (TNP)
- regularly use other tobacco products
- endorse active suicidal or homicidal ideation
- self-report or meet diagnostic criteria for an alcohol or drug dependence
- self-report or meet diagnostic criteria for an eating or neurocognitive disorder
Sites / Locations
- Rhode Island College
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Distress Tolerance
Active Health Control
Treatment rationale: RAs will explain that there are 3 (not 2 as in the control) key factors that maintain smoking behavior and excess weight: 1) learned habits, 2) the addictive properties of smoking and food, and 3) a way to manage distress. Therefore, to be effective, an intervention designed to simultaneously treat smoking cessation and weight loss must address all 3 key factors. This condition includes both key factors in the control but introduces the third key factor distress tolerance (DT). Toward that end, modules will include: a values discussion; experiential avoidance; distress tolerance; and mindfulness-based ways to manage distress. Module 1: Orientation & ACT; Module 2: Avoidance; Module 3: Cognitive Fusion vs. Defusion; Module 4: Self-As-Context; Module 5: Present-Moment-Awareness; and Module 6: Values and Committed Action.
Treatment rationale: RAs will explain that there are 2 key factors that maintain smoking behavior and excess weight: 1) learned habits and 2) the addictive properties of smoking and food. Therefore, to be effective, an intervention designed to simultaneously treat smoking cessation and weight loss must address both key factors. Toward that end, modules will include standard treatment on: the dangers of smoking, excess weight, unhealthy diets and sedentariness; the importance of healthy behaviors; and relaxation exercises to manage stress. These are all key aspects of standard treatment for smoking cessation and weight loss. Module 1: Orientation and Health; Module 2: Game Plan; Module 3: Stress and Coping Strategies; Module 4: Physical Activity; Module 5: Changes in Activities, Habits and Lifestyle; and Module 6: Long-Term Rewards.