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5 Common myths about quitting smoking

5 Common myths about quitting smoking - Image 1 - Nicorette - en-AU

We want to give you the facts and bust these myths. Because quitting is hard enough and having the right information can help you.

 Myth 1: You’ll Gain Weight 

It’s a common fear that if you stop smoking, you will gain weight. There is some truth to this - smoking does speed up your metabolism and suppress appetite to a degree.1 But a big reason for this is because of the nicotine in cigarettes – and that’s where NRT comes in handy! Because NRT is designed to give you a controlled dose of nicotine, while helping you quit smoking.

It’s important to remember that when you’re quitting smoking, you may be tempted to eat more for other reasons too. Some people miss the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, so find themselves tempted to reach for the biscuits more often. Using an inhalator style nicotine replacement product could help combat this.

Many people who stop smoking have a tendency to replace it with another indulgence such as confectionery, sugary drinks or other calorie-packed treat. Here are some top tips on how to avoid weight gain when you stop smoking:

  • Use the time and money you save by not smoking to plan and cook healthy meals.

  • Limit sugary treats such as drinks, lollies, biscuits and cakes.

  • Fill your fridge with healthy snacks such as carrot sticks and whole fruits (not fruit juice).

  • Limit your intake of alcoholic drinks as not only do they contain a lot of calories, but also, they can weaken your stop-smoking resolve.

  • Try not to miss meals, especially breakfast.

  • Be realistic and allow yourself a small treat now and again.

  • Take a quick walk round the block to take your mind off food!

  • Use the NICORETTE® Inhalator.

 Myth 2: Smoking Relieves Stress 

Smoking actually increases anxiety and tension because it elevates your heart rate. It’s the action of smoking that relieves stress because most smokers are tense until their next cigarette.

NICORETTE® gives you a controlled dose of nicotine to help you wean off cigarettes. Instead, you can find new ways to relax and deal with stress – even the stress associated with quitting.

 Myth 3: Willpower is the Best Way to Quit 

Quitting cold turkey can be especially hard because you’re dealing with the physical withdrawal symptoms at the same time as you’re kicking the habit. Instead, using NRT products like NICORETTE® QuickMist can double your chances of successfully quitting smoking versus willpower alone.

 Myth 4: Nicotine is Bad for You 

Some people worry that using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help them quit will be just as bad for their health as smoking cigarettes. It’s not true.

It’s cigarette smoke’s harmful chemicals, such as tar and carbon monoxide that are bad for you. Those ingredients can lead to health problems like heart disease and lung cancer.

Nicotine causes you to become addicted to smoking and using NRT lets you reduce the cigarettes you smoke. By reducing the amount of tobacco smoke you inhale, you also reduce the associated health risks.

 Myth 5: NRT is More Expensive Than Smoking 

Lots of smokers are unaware of how much their smoking habit costs. The figures can be shocking when you add up how much you spend over a decade. Yes, NRT costs money, but it’s very unlikely that it’s as expensive as smoking.

Certain NRT products may cost more per packet than cigarettes, but in the long run they’ll add up to far less. The costs of NRT only apply in the short term, because it’s designed to help you wean off nicotine. Just think of what you can do with the money you save in the long run.

By using NICORETTE®, you double your chances of quitting successfully versus willpower alone.


5 Common myths about quitting smoking - Image 2 - Nicorette - en-AU

 Myth 6: I’ve Smoked for so Long, the Damage Is Already Done 

Quitting smoking at any age brings health benefits, and the benefits start the day you stop! After only a year, the risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of someone who is still smoking, and after 10 years, your risk of lung cancer will have halved compared to someone who continues to smoke.

Find out what the other health benefits of quitting smoking are.

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References:
1. Tobacco in Australia - Health and other benefits of quitting - 7.1.2 Quitting and weight gain https://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-7-cessation/7-1-health-and...
2. Stead LF, et al. Nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD000146. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000146.pub3.