Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Dealing with weight gain when you quit smoking

Introduction

Many people worry about gaining weight when they quit smoking. Most people do gain weight, but it's usually less than 4.5 kg (10 lb).1

The good news is that there are steps you can take to keep your weight gain small.

The important thing is to quit smoking. The minute you quit, you'll be starting a much healthier life.

Key points

  • Smoking is much worse for your health than gaining a few kilograms (pounds).
  • If you try to lose weight at the same time that you try to quit smoking, you will probably have a harder time quitting. So deal with quitting first. Then worry about weight gain.
  • While you are trying to quit, focus on eating healthy foods and being more active.

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What is the connection between quitting smoking and gaining weight?
Why? - Why the action is important? Why should you quit smoking if it's going to make you gain weight?
How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How can you deal with weight gain when you quit smoking?
Where? - Other resources and organizations that can help you take action Where to go from here

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Author: Ralph Poore
Cynthia Tank
Last Updated: January 21, 2008
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Gisele Ferguson, MD, FRCPC - Psychiatry, Child and Youth Psychiatry
John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry

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