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Louise McDermott
Uncommon Knowledge Staff
Joined: 04 Sep 2003
Posts: 35
Location: Brighton, UK
Mon Sep 08, 2003 3:44 pm
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| Weight loss |
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I would like to know a little about how to treat weight loss and smoking.
The questions I've been thinking of are:
1. What's the best approach when a person says they've gone down to a certain weight many times, only to find they put it back on again? WHat is it that's not letting them maintain that weight?
It seems like some pattern interruption could be in order - I can only think of the Ericksonian 'get her to put weight on instead of trying to lose it' thing, but I'm not brave enough to try that! What would any of you experienced people do?!
2. I've heard a few people say that they put on weight after giving up smoking. I reckon it's a simple case of people changing their eating habits when they stop smoking (if that could be clarified that would be great!).
I'm thinking that could be examined in therapy, and strategies/info given on how to eat sensibly, etc. I guess the actual question here is, would you tackle the smoking first usually, and ask them to put the strategy in place and see what happens? I suppose they don't know what their natural appetite is like until they've stopped, nor their natural weight.
Louise |
Mark Roberts
New Member
Joined: 10 Sep 2003
Posts: 8
Location: Nottingham, UK
Fri Sep 12, 2003 11:40 pm
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Hi Louise,
In answer to the second question, smoking tends to suppress the appetite. Therefore, there is a tendency for the appetite to increase once the smoker has stopped.
You can also add two other factors to this. Firstly, the sense of taste and smell become improved after the first 48 hours of smoking cessation. This will obviously increase the urge to eat. Secondly, nibbling seems to be an ideal substitute for the "what shall I do with my hands" syndrome.
There are a couple of ways to deal with this problem. You can obviously offer suggestions of various substitutes or suppression of appetite during the hypnotherapy. However, we prefer to offer Instant Substitutes that the client can turn to should they require them. These can range from the habit of drinking a glass of ice cold water, keeping a bowl of fruit and vegetables handy or chewing gum to suppress any pangs of hunger.
As for the "what shall I do with my hands?" syndrome. We suggest carrying a pen around the they can twiddle in their fingers. Short stubby ones work the best as they mimic the feel of the cigarette. Alternatively, chewing sesame sticks can also help as well as suppressing the hunger pangs.
Hope this helps. As I specialise in smoking cessation, if you require any further tips, please let me know. |
Louise McDermott
Uncommon Knowledge Staff
Joined: 04 Sep 2003
Posts: 35
Location: Brighton, UK
Thu Sep 18, 2003 4:02 pm
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| Replacing the smoking habit |
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Hi Mark,
Thanks for those tips on how to replace the habits around smoking - very useful.
Yes, it does seem to be wise to keep in mind that smoking affects the appetite.
I wonder what's happening though, with those who stop smoking and don't put weight on, or change their eating habits.
It is so helpful to look at those who are naturally getting it right.
Also, a few of the clients I've seen have just assumed that they will put weight on, simply because it's become a well known fact that smoking suppresses the appetite. I think maybe weight gain becomes an issue because at first it's a reason that allows the person to keep smoking. Then perhaps it does become a real fear once the person realises that either way, they really must give up smoking.
I'm sure it's not like that for everyone of course, but it seems to be a trend I'm picking up on in my experience to date.
I read an interesting fact too, about a person needing to put on about 45lbs before the risk to health was anywhere near that of smoking. It's a nice little fact to throw in, I've found. However, I think clients' concerns about weight gain are more to do with appearance/self esteem than actual threat to health . . .
Louise |
Sylvia
Junior Member
Joined: 07 Oct 2003
Posts: 32
Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
Wed Oct 08, 2003 4:25 pm
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Hi,
Would it work to simply state: that many people don't put on weight, so there is no reason to expect that they would, but, if they did, would a few pounds be worse than smoking? If you're worried about it preplan your strategies. And then give them tips.
And also I agree with the water, fruit, gum suggestion, too. That's all built right in with my script.
I would also tell them that hypnosis reduces the cravings, etc. so again many people do not experience these side effects.
- and isn't this just another part of the addiction theory we learn about from the media.
Sylvia |
guyb
New Member
Joined: 11 Sep 2003
Posts: 17
Location: London, UK
Wed Oct 08, 2003 7:39 pm
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| Weight gain & smoking |
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I believe that weight gain on stopping smoking is mainly due to substitution. The smoker feels they have given something up and they therefore fill the hole left by cigarettes.
This is where cognitive therapy is important. If you can move the client from seeing stopping as a sacrifice (I will never be able to smoke again) to a liberation (I will never have to smoke again) then they will not feel deprived. Not only does this stop cravings (which are entirely driven by a fear of being deprived) but it should stop substitution with sweets and food. It usually does with my clients.
If you set substitutes I think you are reinforcing the idea of a sacrifice. The same goes for setting rewards (other than the natural ones of health, energy etc.)
Likewise, if you give them ideas of how to deal with cravings, you are reinforcing the myth of cravings perpetuated by the drugs companies: "when your cravings get really bad, slap on a patch" etc. I would help them through cravings if and when they experience them not set up expectations beforehand.
Also, cravings might feel like hunger, but they are in fact the opposite: the longer cravings go on the easier it gets where the opposite is true of hunger.
Louise, you are right that many smokers use the weight gain thing as a reason to carry on. Another self-deception. As Roger says, what vanity can anyone who smokes actually have?
Guy |
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