According to a study from Kennesaw State University in Georgia, women smokers who were extremely critical about their appearance were 35 percent less likely to say they wanted to quit over the next year than those with a healthier outlook. The study author, Sean Stickney, Ph.D. said the reason may be that they were afraid of gaining weight when they stopped smoking. He suggests that if that’s one of the main concerns then talk to a physician or mental health expert. Besides the health risks of smoking, having a distorted view of the body leaves you vulnerable to depression.
Quitting smoking may be easier now that Bangkok instituted their smoking ban in restaurants and pubs. While the Bangkok Post reports that the ban will not be heavily enforced and bars will not be fined until June 1, many
restaurants and pubs enforced the ban on February 11 and some have created smoking areas outside the dining area. Aside from making it easier to quit smoking as it’s not as easily combined with drinking, the government should make smoking a stigma, thereby smokers become social outcasts and what better way to get one to quit than by peer pressure. Create public health commercials and educate the public on the abject harm of smoking. As for gaining weight, a few pounds will not kill you as fast as smoking can and will. Alternatively, exercising can shed those extra pounds you gain when you quit smoking, leaving you with a better self image and keep depression at bay.
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