The nicotine in cigarette smoke stimulates some of the same receptors in our brains that respond to phentermine and the fenfluramines , the components of the weight-loss medicines that were recently withdrawn from the market because of cardiac side effects. Once the craving for cigarettes is behind you, you will be better able to focus on shedding those extra pounds. In the meantime, try walking. Every time you have the urge to puff, dodge the temptation by going for a brisk 10-minute walk. If you have gotten into the habit of reaching for candy or junk food instead of cigarettes all day at work, try eating healthy snacks like carrots or pretzels instead.
Drinking water can also aid in weight loss and helps reduce cravings.
You could also take some of the money you are saving by quitting smoking and reward yourself with a membership to a local fitness club. Facts on Tobacco Deaths Smoking kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, illegal drugs, homicides, and suicides combined. Thousands more deaths occur from other tobacco-related causes. Fires caused by smoking cause more than 1,000 deaths a year nationwide. Exposure to second-hand smoke is thought to be responsible for more than 69,000 deaths a year nationwide.