Stop Smoking Services

The Weight Issue

Many individuals are concerned about gaining weight if they quit using tobacco. Just remember:

• Smokers weigh less on average than nonsmokers because smoking suppresses the appetite.
• Weight gain is not an automatic effect of stopping tobacco use.
• Usually weight gain is rather moderate — an average of 7-10 pounds.
• Weight gain after stopping smoking is complex with multiple causes, among them: appetite increases, metabolism slows because of loss of the stimulant effect of nicotine, poor food selection.
• Often people substitute high-fat and high-calorie food for cigarettes.
• The worry of adding a few pounds is far outweighed by the physical benefits when quitting.

There are a variety of activities which you can substitute for smoking which won't make you gain weight and will help you keep a positive attitude. Click here to learn more about skills to help you cope with stopping tobacco use.