How to manage craving and weight gain while quitting smoking?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 40 years old and have been smoking approximately 15 cigarettes daily since college. Recently, I have been experiencing breathlessness, a morning cough, and occasional chest tightness. My children have been encouraging me to quit. I attempted to use nicotine gum once but relapsed. Kindly answer my following questions:

Are there effective programs or medications available to help reduce cravings?
How do government anti-smoking campaigns contribute to this effort?
Are free counseling services or clinics accessible?

I am motivated to quit, but am concerned about withdrawal symptoms and potential weight gain.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

It is excellent that you are motivated to quit, as that is the most important first step. Smoking for many years can cause chronic cough, breathlessness, and chest tightness, so quitting smoking now will still greatly improve your health and reduce risks for COPD, heart disease, and cancer.

Here is my opinion:

Nicotine replacement therapies (like patches, lozenges, gum, or inhalers) can be very effective when used consistently, and prescription medicines such as Varenicline (Champix or Chantix) or Bupropion (Zyban) also help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Combining medication with behavioral support, quit programs, counseling, or support groups doubles your chances of success compared to willpower alone.
Many countries run government-sponsored quitlines, free counseling services, and sometimes smoking cessation clinics where you can get guidance and medication at low or no cost. Withdrawal symptoms and weight gain are common worries, but they can be managed with structured support, gradual lifestyle changes, and healthy substitutes for smoking urges.
The earlier you start, the sooner your lungs and heart begin to recover, and involving your family in the process can keep you accountable and supported.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.