home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
/
CDRT.iso
/
dp
/
0248
/
02484.txt
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1994-01-17
|
3KB
|
55 lines
$Unique_ID{BRK02484}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Why Does Stopping Smoking Gain You Weight?}
$Subject{quit smoking gain weight smokers habit pounds underweight tobacco
addiction nicotine community social behavior behaviors lifestyle lifestyles
quitting smoke smoker gaining gained habits habitual overweight tobaccos
addictions}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{
The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf}
Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Why Does Stopping Smoking Gain You Weight?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Everyone says that when you quit smoking you will gain weight. Is
this true? If so can you tell me why this happens? Perhaps most important of
all, is there any way this could be overcome? I bet that the fear of these
pounds is a reason why a lot of smokers just don't quit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: This is one time when all those stories you have heard are true.
According to at least one report, men who stop a smoking habit can expect to
put on about 6 pounds, while women pick up 8 pounds on the average. For the
underweight, that's not a problem, but if you are already fighting the battle
of the bulge, it might be the reason you haven't tried to quit. However, the
health hazard of those extra pounds is minor compared to all the risks to
health that come from tobacco smoke. The risk of heart attacks, emphysema,
and lung cancer are all increased by smoking, and these diseases are
responsible for about 400,000 deaths each year.
It is felt that addiction to nicotine is the cause for smoking keeping
weight down. The nicotine speeds up your metabolism and helps burn off some
calories. In addition, once the habit is dropped, many people crave
additional sweets, adding more calories to their daily diet. You can fight
the weight gain effects by increasing the amount of exercise or activity in
which you participate. And that can provide additional benefits in and of
itself.
Experts suggest you work on one thing at a time. First stop smoking and
develop all the lifestyle habits that will help you keep tobacco free. Then
turn your attention to removing the extra weight. Trying to attack both
problems at once might be a bit too much, and lessen your chances of success.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.