RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Acute post cessation smoking. A strong predictive factor for metabolic syndrome among adult Saudis JF Saudi Medical Journal JO Saudi Med J FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City SP 267 OP 271 VO 30 IS 2 A1 Al-Daghri, Nasser M. YR 2009 UL http://smj.org.sa/content/30/2/267.abstract AB OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of tobacco exposure in the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the adult Saudi population.METHODS: Six hundred and sixty-four adults (305 males and 359 females) aged 25-70 years were included in this cross-sectional study conducted at the King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, between June 2006 and May 2007. We classified the participants into non-smokers, smokers, and ex-smokers (defined as complete cessation for 1-2 years). All subjects were screened for the presence of MS using the modified American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organization (WHO) definitions.RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was highest among ex-smokers regardless of definition used. Relative risk for ex-smokers (95% CI: 2.23, 1.06-4.73) was more than twice in harboring MS as compared to non-smokers (95% CI: 2.78, 1.57-4.92) (p=0.009).CONCLUSION: Acute post-cessation smoking is a strong predictor for MS among male and female Arabs. Smoking cessation programs should include a disciplined lifestyle and dietary intervention to counteract the MS-augmenting side-effect of smoking cessation.