Expert: Christine Rowley - 12/4/2000

Question
My husband has smoked for 40 years and won't even try to quit because the one time he tried, he gained weight. Is weight gain inevitable? (He weighs what he did in college.)

Answer
It is commendable that he still weighs what he did in college. It's a feat that not many people today can claim to have accomplished.

While it is true that some people gain weight after they quit smoking partly due to slower metabolism caused by quitting, many people either do NOT gain weight and some even lose weight.

This is done by watching the type of foods you eat when you quit. Too many of us have stuffed just about anything and everything into our mouths after we quit. The hand to mouth response factor is very strong. It will take practice getting used to something more healthy than fattening foods, such as sunflower seeds, carrot or celery sticks, apple slices, or other healthy snacks. Exercise like a daily walk also helps keep fat off.

There is a book called "How to Quit Smoking and Not Gain Weight Cookbook" which is great for anyone wanting to quit and not gain weight. The writers are experts on the subject. You can read a review of it at: http://quitsmoking.about.com/library/weekly/aa011700a.htm

In any event, your husband must want to stop smoking for himself. He cannot do it "for" you or anyone else, but for himself. You and your family will certainly benefit. Of that there is no doubt. But does he WANT to quit? You might let him know that most people who quit smoking actually become successful after 4 or 5 tries. To give up after one quit won't get the freedom. Never quit quitting and it will "take" sooner or later. Hang Tough--Don't Puff! Christine