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Smoking and weight gain

01/07/2000

Question:

i have quit smoking after 35 years. its been 5 months now. i still fight the craving though only once in a while. but the weight gain is terrible. i have put on around 20 lbs. and everything i eat i gain weight. believe me i am glad i quit somking. i did it cold turkey and with the help of prayers. i am 54 years old and a female. i get so sick of hearing its better to gain weight than to smoke. i now have back and knee problems i never had before,not to mention wallet problems because of having no clothes to fit. why don`t doctors reconize this problem and help their patients to loose the weight after a period of time. i hate this weight gain and don`t like myself too much at the moment. is there any way to loose this weight and get out of this depression???

Answer:

Congratulations on not smoking for 5 months! Gaining weight after stopping smoking is fairly common. It`s important to drink plenty of water (8-10 glasses a day), eat lots of fruits and vegetables, watch out for “junk food” and high-fat snacks. Also, exercise is critical: 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise like brisk walking, bike riding, swimming, etc. really help the body`s metabolism speed up to control weight. I`d also urge you to consult with your doctor about depression, since many people gain weight when depressed. Good luck!

For more information:

Go to the Smoking and Tobacco health topic.