Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 March 2010
No Smoking Day Success
Thousands of smokers stubbed-it out yesterday as the Ulster Cancer Foundation's (UCF) annual No Smoking Day helped people across NI to kick the habit. Day two for 'quitters' looms, but one ex-smoker said it is important to persevere.
No Smoking Day Success
Thousands of smokers stubbed-it out yesterday as the Ulster Cancer Foundation's (UCF) annual No Smoking Day helped people across NI to kick the habit. Day two for 'quitters' looms, but one ex-smoker said it is important to persevere.
01 October 2013
Over Half Quit Smoking Through Cessation Services
Figures released today show that of all the smokers in Northern Ireland who sought to kick the habit through smoking cessation services last year, such as those provided by a hospital or GP, over half managed to successfully quit.
Over Half Quit Smoking Through Cessation Services
Figures released today show that of all the smokers in Northern Ireland who sought to kick the habit through smoking cessation services last year, such as those provided by a hospital or GP, over half managed to successfully quit.
17 December 2019
Make It Your New Year's Resolution To Stop Smoking
As the New Year approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to make a resolution worth keeping – to quit smoking. The agency has launched a mass media campaign to encourage people to stop smoking and highlight the free quit services that are available across Northern Ireland.
Make It Your New Year's Resolution To Stop Smoking
As the New Year approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to make a resolution worth keeping – to quit smoking. The agency has launched a mass media campaign to encourage people to stop smoking and highlight the free quit services that are available across Northern Ireland.
28 January 2015
Mums-To-Be Urged To Quit Smoking
Pregnant smokers in Northern Ireland could be offered shopping vouchers as an incentive to quit. The vouchers are part of a research scheme undertaken in Glasgow, which found out that women given up to £400 where more likely to stop smoking.
Mums-To-Be Urged To Quit Smoking
Pregnant smokers in Northern Ireland could be offered shopping vouchers as an incentive to quit. The vouchers are part of a research scheme undertaken in Glasgow, which found out that women given up to £400 where more likely to stop smoking.
27 February 2009
Get Ready Now For 'No Smoking Day'
With only two weeks to go before this year's No Smoking Day - Wednesday 11 March - the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is encouraging smokers to think about their wealth as well as their health.
Get Ready Now For 'No Smoking Day'
With only two weeks to go before this year's No Smoking Day - Wednesday 11 March - the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is encouraging smokers to think about their wealth as well as their health.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
