I quit smoking six months ago, after 20 years of smoking two packs a day. I have gained 25 pounds. I am short (5'4"), and now weigh 175 pounds. I am trying to diet and exercise, but I have intense hunger pains, and I am finding it very hard to stick to a diet. The exercise seems to be doing nothing to help. Do you have any suggestions?

Despite your weight gain, you are far ahead of where you were when you were smoking. Did you know that a normal weight person would have to gain 100 pounds to equal the health risks of smoking? You may be interested to know that some studies show that weight gain from quitting smoking is usually temporary.