Every fifth woman, who smokes at the age of 18 - 24 years, does not part with cigarettes because of fear of gaining weight. Scientists from the University of Temple have found that the support of a psychologist helps to overcome problems better than the program of physical exertion.

"Many women smoke to maintain weight, and also because of the image, and we expect to help them feel better without harmful factors," says psychologist Melissa Napolitano.

During the two stages of the study, scientists collected data on bad habits and body oil of women aged 18-24 years. At the first stage, it was found that women smoked more often: to relieve stress and reduce weight. Participants also participated in group therapy, which promoted a healthy lifestyle. At the second stage, 24 women were divided into groups of physical activity and visualization of their own bodies. All participants were given nicotine patches.

After eight weeks, twice more women from the visualization group quit smoking (18% vs 8% of the group of loads). In addition, in women from the visualization group, the results of weight loss were three times higher than the effect of training (3.3 pounds against 1 pound). "We wanted to create a program that focuses not only on the physical need that is supported by the nicotine patch, but also to pay attention to social and behavioral aspects," says the author of the study. They also used modern technologies to spread information among smokers by sending letters by e-mail so that the study participants were in touch. The results of this small study will be of help for large-scale national studies.

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Health. Sumy. Ua.