A Cochrane review included 11 studies.Individualized weight management support vs no intervention was associated with reduced weight gain at end of treatment and at 12 months (mean difference in weight change -1.11kg, 95% CI -1.93 to -0.29kg; 3 trials, n= 121 and -2.58kg, 95% CI -5.11kg to -0.05kg; 2 studies, n=40, respectively), and with no effect on abstinence (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.43; 2 trials, n=254 ). Very low calorie diets (MD -1.30kg, 95% CI -3.49kg to 0.89kg, 1 study, n=62) were associated with improved abstinence and reduced weight gain at 12 months. With cognitive behavioural therapy to accept moderate weight gain the gain in weight was nonsignificant (MD 0.13kg, 95% CI -0.72 to 0.98kg; 2 trials, n=76) at 12 months. Exercise interventions reduced post-cessation weight gain at 12 months (mean difference in weight change -2.07kg, 95% CI -3.78kg, -0.36kg, 3 studies, n=182) but not at end of treatment (-0.25kg , 95% CI -0.78 to 0.29, 4 trials, n=404).
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality and by inconsistency (heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes).