Nearly 68 percent of smokers say they want to quit, according to the American Cancer Society. It often takes several attempts before a smoker becomes smoke-free. Many put off quitting out of fear they will gain weight. This fear is not unreasonable given the cultural emphasis on thinness. Smoking does speed up the metabolism creating an additional calorie burn of about 250 calories a day for a pack-a-day smoker. On average, ex-smokers gain five to seven pounds during their first six months without tobacco. However, this weight gain is not automatic, and with some proactive steps,...
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