http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/10938215
RESULTS: HDL-C, HDL(2)-C, and HDL(3)-C levels were significantly lower in smokers when compared with controls. These differences were sustained during the initial 35 days when using the patch. Over the following 42 days, however, these lipoproteins normalized to values similar to those of control subjects. Females who quit smoking gained 2.1 kg after the patch was removed.
CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that nicotine as administered by the transdermal nicotine patch inhibits normalization of HDL-C, HDL(2)-C, and HDL(3)-C in those who have quit smoking. Removal of the patch results in normalization of these lipoproteins. The patch appeared to prevent weight gain among female subjects.