E-cigarettes versus combined nicotine replacement for people with obesity who smoke
A Comparison of Electronic Cigarettes and Combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy among Individuals with Obesity who Smoke
This compares e-cigarettes to a combination of nicotine patch and gum to help people with obesity who smoke quit cigarettes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179298 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have obesity and smoke, you would be offered one of two nicotine approaches — using an electronic cigarette or using a combination of nicotine replacement products like a patch plus gum — and followed by the research team. Researchers will track who stops smoking, how much weight changes after quitting, and measures of metabolic and cardiovascular health over time. They will also collect information on cravings, confidence about weight control, and how well people stick with their assigned nicotine option. The aim is to find which approach best helps people with obesity quit smoking while addressing concerns about weight gain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity who currently smoke cigarettes and are willing to try either e-cigarettes or combination nicotine replacement would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not smoke, who are not obese, who cannot use nicotine products, or who are pregnant would not be expected to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify a quitting option that helps people with obesity stop smoking while limiting weight-related worries and health risks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials show both e-cigarettes and combination nicotine replacement can help people quit smoking, but direct comparisons specifically in people with obesity are limited.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Cara — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Cara
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.