Failure should not be regarded as an indication of futility. In fact, the more often the patient tries to quit, the more the chances for success. On average, five to seven failures occur before the patient succeeds in stopping. Concerns of smokers about stopping include the problems of weight gain and depression. Weight gain is a concern, particularly in women.
Many women use nicotine as a weight control measure.
Nicotine replacement helps mitigate weight gain, which, on average, is 10 pounds over the first 6 months. This weight gain can be controlled through exercise, however. Exercise itself, may reduce the craving for tobacco. Some women also use nicotine to combat depression. Thus, depressed patients who are candidates for smoking cessation must be closely counseled by their health care professionals.