Cigarette smoking, body mass index, and physical fitness changes among male navy personnel.

INTRODUCTION

Cigarette smoking has been reported to be higher among deployed military men than among similarly aged civilian or nondeployed men, but the short-term effect of smoking on physical fitness among these young healthy men is unclear. This study examined self-reported smoking status and change in objectively measured fitness over 1-4 years while controlling for body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

This study included a large sample of male U.S. navy personnel who deployed to Iraq or Kuwait between 2005 and 2008. A mixed modeling procedure was used to determine factors contributing to longitudinal changes in both BMI and fitness (measured by run/walk times, curl-ups, and push-ups).

RESULTS

Of the total sample (n = 18,537), the 20% current smokers were more likely than nonsmokers to be enlisted, younger, and have lower BMI measurements at baseline. In addition, smokers had slower 1.5-mile run/walk times and could do fewer curl-ups and push-ups compared with nonsmokers. The run/walk time model indicated that over 4 years, smokers (compared with nonsmokers) experienced a significantly greater rate of decrease in cardiorespiratory fitness, even after controlling for changes in BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

These results call for continued attention to the problem of nicotine use among young healthy men.