Check out the ‘facts and myths’ section below – you’ll be surprised at how many you’ve heard people use as an excuse to smoke…
Smoking help you to keep your weight down
Young people’s weight is not affected by smoking or by quitting, and in fact smoking can even worsen the appearance of cellulite. Smokers are also more likely to have a smoker’s belly because smokers store more fat around their waists.
Some people might put on weight when they quit smoking is because food tastes a lot nicer and some people also replace cigarettes with food when they first quit.
If you’re thinking of quitting, and want some tips on staying fit and healthy, check out the ‘health’ blog or ‘I Quit’.
Smoking lowers stress levels
Smokers actually have higher levels of stress compared to non-smokers. Cigarettes have a stimulant effect on the body (rather than a calming effect), which means that it increases blood pressure and heart rate.
Smoking also increases stress because it’s so addictive.
Patches and gum are just as bad for you as smoking
The levels of nicotine in patches and gum are virtually harmless, It does not contain toxic chemicals like tar or carbon monoxide, and does not cause cancer.
For more info about stop smoking medicines like patches and gum, visit http://smokefree.nhs.uk/what-suits-me/patches-gum-and-more/.
Tobacco companies can’t advertise
Although tobacco advertising is now mostly banned in the UK (e.g. on TV), have you ever noticed how often cigarette packets change colour and style?
Superman II (1980, Warner Brothers) made good on a deal with Philip Morris to feature Marlboros. Read the deal. Note Clause 4, where the producers agree to edit the film to avoid any negative portrayal of Marlboros. From http://smokefreemovies.ucsf.edu/problem/bigtobacco.html 12.12.09.
Tobacco companies pay millions to advertise their brands in movies to get around the fact that they can’t show ads on TV and billboards – check out this Malboro ‘product placement’ in the Superman movie...
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