It's true that the nicotine in tobacco products reduces your appetite and perks you up when you feel your energy level drop because of hunger. But those effects don't last long, and before you know it, you're hungry again.

Using smoking to maintain a lower body weight has other drawbacks. Smoking does nothing for your muscle tone. You might weigh less, but you won't have the toned muscles or the increased energy that comes with maintaining a lower weight through exercise and eating right.

If you are smoking because you are afraid of the weight you may put on when you quit, remember that not everyone gains weight when they quit.

The keys to maintaining a healthy body weight are to eat well and get enough exercise.

• For tips on creating a balanced diet that will help you keep your energy level up, reduce your cravings for fatty snacks, and help you maintain a healthy weight, see the topic Healthy Eating.
• For more information about managing your appetite and maintaining a healthy body weight through regular exercise, see the topic Fitness.