It's one reason people decide to continue smoking!

They're afraid that if they stop, they'll end up gaining a lot of weight.

We take a look at some of the challenges of keeping the weight off... when you've quit smoking.

Quitting smoking... and losing weight... both are good for you... but trying to accomplish both at the same time can be difficult, according to Doctor Erica Brownfield."Your metabolism in smokers who quit smoking actually goes down. On average most people who quit gain 4 to 10 pounds."

So in addition to a slowing metabolism... studies show that people who quit smoking are more likely to gain a taste for sweet and salty foods... and can replace an addiction to cigarettes with an addiction to food. "People smoke for different reasons, to reduce stress, to help with depression. After it is no longer there they use food to help cope with their stress or depression."

And Doctor Brownfield says... you shouldn't use fears of weight gain as an excuse to keep puffing away. "There's no question it's more beneficial to stop smoking than to worry about those extra pounds you might gain afterwards."

So what can you do to avoid the post quit pounds?
Well it comes down to the basics of course... exercise and eat healthy. "If someone has decided to quit smoking, they need to take that next step and change their whole approach to health with a new attitude."

Experts say putting together snacks ahead of time...like celery, carrot sticks and popcorn...helps ensure you have good food choices within easy reach when the munchies hit.

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