Quit Smoking - Secret #5 - Weight gain need not happen! Weight gain is the 800lb Gorilla in the corner!

Weight gain need not happen!

As an Australian, this tobacco insider is blunt, ONLY a smoker knows how bloody difficult it is to give up. ONLY a smoker knows the fear of no more cigarettes, ever. ONLY a smoker knows how often they have thought of giving up, have tried to give up, and have failed, leaving them feeling inadequate, and demoralised.

He was a heavy smoker and he worked in Research for the Tobacco Industry and with his system, he believes you can quit smoking.

He's not looking for superhuman commitment, superhuman willpower, or the superhuman focus needed to go Cold Turkey on one of the nastiest, most dangerous and addictive habits known to humanity. If you had any of these superhuman traits you would have quit by now.

He is offering these secrets to you, the smoker who wants to quit, who has tried to quit many times, tried to cut down many times, who feels somewhat guilty about smoking and knows secretly that they ought to give up, but who probably enjoys the habit and rewards of cigarette smoking.

Secret #5 - Weight gain need not happen! Weight gain is the 800lb Gorilla in the corner!

This is a topic that must be addressed, especially for the women who argue that they cannot give up smoking because they will put on weight. Smoking is far, far more deadly than carrying a few extra kilos (pounds).

However carrying any extra weight is not a good thing. For men, especially if that weight is put on around the stomach. For women, any extra weight anywhere is a real no-no.

Body Image and fat levels are important for both sexes, but particularly it appears to be a very important issue for women smokers, but I believe, far overriding the weight issue is the mortal danger you run by continuing to smoke.

Smoking does appear to suppress appetite in some people. So if a smoker like this were to give up quickly, and perhaps use lolly/sweet/food replacement to help with the withdrawal symptoms then they will put on weight.

Any responsible quit system should be a very gradual process, allowing you to watch your weight, and begin exercising lightly, as you reduce your smoking to ensure that you keep your weight where you want it.

If you are concerned about weight gain as you reduce smoking, and as you go through any quit system, you should perhaps begin to walk for perhaps 40 minutes a day. Initially perhaps you would walk once or twice a week, growing to four or five times a week as you move through the System.

This does not mean 'power walking' or jogging, simply walking reasonably briskly (perhaps with the kids or the dog) will be sufficient. This will help with weight control during the process, will add to your sense of well-being as you give up smoking, and will give you time to talk with your kids/family/friends as you walk.

Obviously this is general advice and you should check with your Medical Practitioner before starting such a program.

So, Secret #5 - Weight gain need not happen! Means very simply that any process that is designed to help you quit must allow for your natural concerns regarding weight management.