Seventeen percent of the smokers in the trial successfully managed to stop smoking, and changes in their weight were analysed over time. Those who just focused on quitting gained weight steadily, whereas those who also joined Slimming World had lost weight at each follow-up point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After 12 weeks, those who had been supported at their local Slimming World group had lost an average of 2.9lbs. This represented a 5.1lb average difference in weight between the quitters who joined Slimming World and those who didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MORE BELOW: Read on to discover 10 great snacks to help curb hunger pangs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Carolyn Pallister, Nutrition and Health Policy Manager at Slimming World, says:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s a widely held belief that when you try to stop smoking you put on weight, but we know this doesn\u2019t have to be the case. As your appetite and sense of taste come back \u2013 and with the habit of needing to hold something in your hand \u2013 you may reach for food instead of a cigarette. But with the right support to make behaviour changes, you may even be able to lose weight when you give up smoking.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose a healthy eating programme:<\/strong> Slimming World\u2019s Food Optimising eating plan helps you lose weight by filling up on plenty of satisfying low energy dense (low-calorie) food, so you’re less likely to reach for high-fat\/sugary snacks when cravings hit. Find out more about joining your local Slimming World group here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re already a Slimming World member and want extra support while stopping smoking, ask your Consultant for the \u2018Stop smoking and still lose weight\u2019 leaflet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brian Farmer is one Slimming World member who successfully slimmed down while stopping smoking. He\u2019s now lost 10st and has completely transformed his lifestyle and health. He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI walked into my local Slimming World group weighing 22st 9lbs, with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, constant tiredness and depression. A year into my weight loss journey, I\u2019d completely changed my eating habits \u2013 ditching the greasy food and takeaways \u2013 and I decided it was time to tackle another unhealthy habit, smoking. As someone who smoked 40 cigarettes a day, I was nervous that quitting would mean putting the 5st I\u2019d lost back on, but the other members of my Slimming World group pulled me through all of my doubts and put me in the right mindset to quit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now 10st lighter, I feel like a different person. I\u2019m a non-smoker, I\u2019m active and can run around after my granddaughter, and my health is so much better. I\u2019ve even achieved my dream of becoming an HGV driver. Life is great and I\u2019m looking forward to what the future brings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Slimming World can help<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10 tips on how to quit smoking and lose weight:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get support:<\/strong> Changing habits isn\u2019t always easy, and having support to lose weight can help with your commitment and accountability. Joining a Slimming World group is a great way to make lifestyle changes. Your Slimming World Consultant and fellow members will understand your challenges, and you\u2019ll share tips to help overcome them. The sense of achievement you get from losing weight can help you to stay committed to your stop smoking goals, too.
Look up your local stop smoking service:<\/strong> With their expert help, you\u2019re three times as likely to stop smoking successfully than by using willpower alone.
Talk to a healthcare professional:<\/strong> Your GP, practice nurse or community pharmacist can also provide support, and, if it\u2019s appropriate, advise you on stop-smoking aids that are suitable for you.
Increase activity gradually:<\/strong> Adding activity into your daily life can help to distract you from cravings. Use the stairs instead of the lift, walk short journeys instead of driving, wash the car by hand, or join in with your children’s games. Slimming World\u2019s Body Magic programme helps members build activity into their day-to-day routine.
Tell family and friends:<\/strong> They can offer you support \u2013 and you never know, you might inspire them to make a healthy change to their lives, too.
Remember your goal:<\/strong> Write a \u2018for and against\u2019 list and carry it around with you to remind yourself why you wanted to give up smoking.
Track your progress:<\/strong> Mark off each day you\u2019ve been cigarette-free, knowing every day you\u2019ve chalked up is bringing huge benefits to your health.
Use the extra pounds (in your purse!):<\/strong> Treat yourself to a new outfit, a haircut or a pamper session with the money you\u2019ve saved from not buying cigarettes. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBrian\u2019s 10st success story<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"brian-farmer-success-story-stoptober-slimming-world-blog\"](\"http:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/brian-farmer-success-story-stoptober-slimming-world-blog.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
![\"price-of-this-stoptober-slimming-world-blog\"](\"http:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/price-of-this-stoptober-slimming-world-blog.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n