Congratulations Terpe Modest weight gain is less harmful to health than continuing smoking.
It's hard to know the exact numbers of smokers in the UK or the Philippines because as smoking becomes less acceptable, people are not so inclined to admit how much they smoke. However it's probably at least a fifth of the adult population in both countries. It also seems that only 2 in 3 smokers want to stop smoking.
Whatever the true figures, there's no room for complacency Smoking is still the biggest single cause of cancer in the world. But almost everyone knows it's not good for your health . Scare tactics, threats and lectures from doctors are of limited use. I accept that many people - including friends and relatives - don't wish to stop smoking. A teenager interviewed on the news about the proposal to put cigarettes in plain wrapping said that would encourage her to smoke because "They're telling us not to!" - she may be misguided but she's not alone .
Nicotine is a drug of addiction. Willpower and determination are vital for those who wish to give up. Well done to all the ex-smoking members of the forum for encouraging others to stop .