Feedback from smokers have long been that when they try to quit they quickly put on weight. This is definitely something that discourages people from quitting in the first place.

Some of the reasons that people put on weight when they give up smoking are:

• nicotine conatined in cigarettes is an appetite suppressant;
• smoking can increase the body’s metabolism;
• smoking affects how you taste and smell food;
• some people put food into their mouths rather than a cigarette.

However, even if you do put on a bit of weight after quitting, you are still far better off quitting as smoking has such a large impact on your overall health.

And if you are really trying to make a lifestyle change, you can look at your nutrition and your level of physical activity and thus minimise any weight gain. A couple of key recommendation if you are concerned about weight gain after quitting are:

• focus on low fat foods and try to avoid snack between meals;
• try chewing gum;
• avoid fad diets.

So quitting and maintaining your figure is possible. And the long term results will pay off.