Nicorette, a prescription gum containing nicotine, has helped some people deal with withdrawal symptoms, particularly those who are very dependent on nicotine. Many smokers worry about weight gain if they stop smoking. Studies show that many of those who quit gain weight, but the gain is usually only a few kilograms, and can be minimized by exercising and eating low-fat foods. Although males were once far more likely to smoke than females, smoking rates have become more similar for both sexes in recent years. Teenagers are much less likely to smoke than adults.
People are more likely to smoke if their parents, family, and friends do.
Those who drop out of high school are more likely to smoke than those with more education. Smoking is also related to occupation. Fewer managers and professionals smoke than do people in other white-collar occupations. Daily cigarette use is most prevalent among blue-collar workers and the unemployed. In Canada, the purchase or possession of tobacco by anyone under 16 years of age is a federal criminal offence under the Tobacco Restraint Act.