Fat Ex-Smokers

According to Jody A. Charnow, Medical Tribune News Service, as reported in the Globe and Mail 07 November 1998:

"It's true: Quit smoking and you'll get fat"

A 5 year U.S. study suggests the amount of the weight gained by people who quit smoking is substantially greater than previously recognized, and ex-smokers don't shed those extra pounds. In fact, they continue to put on weight.

Among sustained quitters, 7% of men, and 19% of women, gained 20% or more of their baseline weight after 5 years (American Journal of Epidemiology). Previous research suggests that, for smokers who gain 22 pounds or more after quitting, the extra weight may cancel out some of the health benefits of doing so.

The findings challenge a widespread notion that weight gain associated with smoking cessation is usually minor and a person's poundage will return to normal within a few years. Doctors may want to focus more on the weight-management aspects of smoking cessation - a total lifestyle change is mandatory!

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There you have it - the true focus of this entire anti-smoking crusade; the management and control of your life by these self-appointed guardians. Actually, 'micro-management' is a more appropriate term.