Smoking cessation and severity of weight gain

To the Editor: I came across the interesting article by Williamson et al. (March 4 issue)* because I work for a health maintenance organization that subscribes to the Journal. I am a perfect example of the findings of this research. I have quit smoking about five times, only to gain weight. As a result, I have returned to smoking cigarettes. On November 1, 1990, deciding once again to quit, I joined a weight-loss clinic and was placed on a diet containing 900 to 1000 calories per day. I was determined to diet vigorously. By January 1, 1991, I had gained.