The fear of gaining weight is the number one reason why most women don’t want to quit smoking. 

The Surgeon General reports that, “smoking cessation among women typically is associated with about six to twelve pound weight gain in the year after they quit smoking.” 

But the health risks of smoking are far greater than the risks of gaining a few pounds.  So you are still much better off without smoking.  Click on the watch to find out what good things happen to your body after quitting.

There are reasons why women gain weight after quitting:

     A candy bar or any high-caloric food may be used as a substitute for a cigarette.  

   Food may be used as a reward.  Where once they smoked a cigarette after doing a chore, former smokers sometimes reward themselves with a snack.   

Food often tastes better.  As taste buds come alive again, eating becomes more enjoyable and it’s tempting to eat more.      

As nicotine increases the heart rate,  it may also increase the metabolic rate and actually burn food faster.

Many, but not all ex-smokers do gain a few pounds after quitting . But with proper nutrition and exercise, you don’t have to gain weight!

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FACT

(2001 Surgeon General’s Report, Women and Smoking)