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15/09/2008
Quit Smoking Campaign Targets Belfast
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is launching a new 'Quit 2 Fit' programme in North and West Belfast to help local men and women stop smoking successfully and manage their weight after quitting.
UCF's new programme aims to support smokers in their quit attempt and limit weight gain by adopting a healthy diet and introducing simple measures to incorporate exercise into their daily routine.
A common deterrent for stopping is that many smokers associate giving up with piling on the pounds but the charity wants to reinforce their message that it is possible to stop smoking and keep weight gain to a minimum.
Doreen Clerkin, UCF Project Co-ordinator, 'Quit 2 Fit' said: "On average 23% of people smoke in Northern Ireland however in some areas of North and West Belfast the frequency of smoking is as high as 35%.
"It is estimated that around 80% of people do gain weight when they stop smoking. This can be due to a number of reasons; quitting can change your metabolism; people often substitute food for cigarettes; people may snack more using food as a distraction to reduce cravings and stress; and food will smell and taste better so you may be tempted to eat more."
UCF's 'Quit 2 Fit' programme is currently developing a physical activity course for men and women in North and West Belfast to manage weight gain caused from stopping smoking.
Sponsored by Pfizer UK Foundation, it will run for six weeks in the following venues in North and West Belfast.
(BMcC)
UCF's new programme aims to support smokers in their quit attempt and limit weight gain by adopting a healthy diet and introducing simple measures to incorporate exercise into their daily routine.
A common deterrent for stopping is that many smokers associate giving up with piling on the pounds but the charity wants to reinforce their message that it is possible to stop smoking and keep weight gain to a minimum.
Doreen Clerkin, UCF Project Co-ordinator, 'Quit 2 Fit' said: "On average 23% of people smoke in Northern Ireland however in some areas of North and West Belfast the frequency of smoking is as high as 35%.
"It is estimated that around 80% of people do gain weight when they stop smoking. This can be due to a number of reasons; quitting can change your metabolism; people often substitute food for cigarettes; people may snack more using food as a distraction to reduce cravings and stress; and food will smell and taste better so you may be tempted to eat more."
UCF's 'Quit 2 Fit' programme is currently developing a physical activity course for men and women in North and West Belfast to manage weight gain caused from stopping smoking.
Sponsored by Pfizer UK Foundation, it will run for six weeks in the following venues in North and West Belfast.
(BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
