Nicorette manufacturer McNeil has called on healthcare professionals to offer further support to smokers trying to quit, after finding that worries about weight gain hamper many attempts.

A quarter of people would start smoking again to lose weight they had gained while trying to quit, suggested a survey of 1,015 UK smokers commissioned by the company.

The same number incorrectly believed going cold turkey would help avoid weight gain, found the survey, conducted at the beginning of this year. McNeil stressed that clinical trials showed nicotine replacement treatments could increase the chance of quitting successfully while keeping weight under control.

The Nicorette range includes Nicorette Gum, Invisi patch, Inhalator and QuickMist mouthspray. Retail prices start at £4.99 for a pack of 2mg Nicorette Icy White gum.

For enquiries, contact McNeil Products on 01344 864042