Common concerns about quitting
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, your family and your lifestyle. The journey can be challenging, with peaks and troughs along the way, but with the support of your friends, family and iCanQuit, you’ll get there.
Whether you’re someone who smokes occasionally or who has smoked for a long time, you’ll have questions and concerns about the process and outcomes.
The effect on your appearance
One of the biggest benefits of quitting smoking is the positive impact it can have on the way you look.
The many benefits of quitting smoking include:
- Healthier hair, skin, nails and eyes
- Fewer wrinkles
- Reduced risk of macular degeneration or cataracts
- Lower chance of acne and psoriasis
- Less risk of losing your teeth, having yellow teeth, or having bad breath
Weight gain
It’s understandable to have concerns about gaining weight when you quit smoking. But don’t be too concerned – the benefits to your health and appearance when you quit are amazing. In the longer term, people who used to smoke don’t tend to weigh more than people who’ve never smoked.
Most people seem to gain about 4kg – but some people don’t put on any extra kilos at all. Around 60% of this weight is added in the first year after quitting. Putting on excessive weight (over 10kg) isn’t common.
The effect on mental wellbeing
Quitting can improve mental health, and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. You’ll feel a positive improvement in your wellbeing that’s chemical-free.
| What you might think as someone who smokes | What actually happens when you quit |
| Smoking manages my anxiety | Anxiety reduces by 37% |
| Smoking lifts my low mood | Depression symptoms decrease by 25% |
| Smoking relieves my stress | Stress reduces by 27% |
| Smoking is what makes me feel happy | Positive emotions increase by 40% |
| Smoking is all I have and I enjoy it | Quality of life improves by 22% |
Create a personalised Quit plan that will support you while you quit.