Smoking Cessation with Weight Gain Prevention: A Group Program: Facilitator Guide

Smoking is one of the greatest preventable causes of death, disease, and disability. While many people want to give up smoking, they are often unable to do so alone. Many smokers are also put off quitting because they are afraid of the potential weight gain that may result. This Therapist Guide presents an effective cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) based treatment that will help patients to quit smoking while simultaneously managing their weight. In a 16-week group program, it teaches clients to break their smoking habit first, then to avoid replacing that habit with unhealthy eating. By meeting as a group, clients work together to remain motivated and give up smoking for good. The program teaches participants CBT skills such as cognitive restructuring and problem-solving and encourages the use of forms to monitor their smoking, daily food intake, and exercise participation. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for delivering the intervention, including session outlines and lists of materials needed to facilitate group meetings.