Quitting snus is often a healthy decision, but the body doesn't always react as expected. A new Swedish study shows that blood pressure rose and weight increased after nicotine withdrawal, even though the direct effect of nicotine disappeared.
A snuff-free life is often seen as a step towards better health, but it can also bring about surprising physical changes. A new study from Linköping University shows that people who stopped using snuff had a clear increase in blood pressure and gained weight, despite the acute effects of nicotine on the heart and blood vessels.
The study, published in the Harm Reduction Journal, included 33 people aged 18–70.
who regularly used snus. For twelve weeks, the researchers followed the participants closely, with daily home blood pressure measurements, blood tests and questions about lifestyle.
“We had expected blood pressure to drop when the nicotine disappeared from the body. Instead, it rose, on average by 3.7 mm Hg,” says Fredrik Nyström, professor of internal medicine and lead author of the study. The participants also gained an average of 1.8 kilograms in weight, a change that does not fully explain the increase in blood pressure. The unexpected finding means that the researchers recommend blood pressure monitoring for people who stop using snus, especially if they already have risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Although stopping snus often leads to relapse, almost all participants remained tobacco-free throughout the study. This meant that the researchers were unable to examine what happens to blood pressure if people start using snus again.
The results raise new questions about the body's long-term reactions to nicotine withdrawal, and the importance of follow-up in healthcare.
THE STUDY IN BRIEF
Performed by: Linköping University
Participant: 33 snus users (18–70 years old), the majority men
Snus types: 65 % tobacco snus, 32 % nicotine snus, 3 % both
Duration: 12 weeks without snus
Results: Blood pressure increased by an average of 3.7 mm Hg and weight gained an average of 1.8 kilograms.
Published in: Harm Reduction Journal, April 2025
