Researchers from the University Of Arizona College Of Medicine have developed a pilot app to address the challenges women face when trying to quit smoking.

The app dubbed ‘See Me Smoke-Free’ was released on Android. It motivates users with inspirational messages and uses audio recordings to inspire confidence. The effort was funded by National Cancer Institute, which granted $366,400 for two years.

Judith Gordon, head of the app’s research team, associate professor with the Department of Family and Community Medicine and associate head of research at UA, mentioned that when women quit smoking, they are more likely to gain weight than men. Also, they find it more difficult to lose weight after gaining.

Gordon said those almost 100 women have downloaded See Me Smoke-Free so far. She said, “Even if they do gain a little bit of weight, they realize that they’re healthy, and they’re beautiful and strong. That’s more important than a couple of pounds”.

Peter Giacobbi Jr., associate professor in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences at West Virginia University, said the key to the app’s innovation is its use of guided imagery. It is a technique that focuses on imagination through suggestions.

It has been proved through studies that guided imagery can reduce stress, motivate people to exercise, quell food cravings and prevent smoking.

Giacobbi said he has spent a lot of time with the team to develop short audio files that guide people through scenes and experiences to help them quit smoking.

Cynthia Thomson, a professor at the UA College of Public Health and director of the Arizona Smokers’ Helpline, said an effective way to stop this habit is by promoting a healthy lifestyle.