I quit smoking 18 months ago after 15 years. I will turn 61 tomorrow, and my experience is a lot like Velo Dog's, i.e. creeping up weight and associated issues during my 50s.... just a little creep year by year and suddenly bad symptoms show up. Mine was mostly cholesterol. Well I just had my annual checkup and my cholesterol compared to last year is way down well into the normal range for all components. At 230, I'm about 20 lbs lighter than year ago. My BP has been and remains normal. I am putting on my old size 40 jeans instead of 44s and they are getting saggy too. I do not get out of breath going up a few stairs anymore. Luckily I have no major orthopedic issues. Other than the smoking, all these changes are entirely due to 2000 miles of cycling in the last six months. I enjoyed
nearly every mile. It is going to be a great year ahead!
I also have nice bushy hair which I do not yet attribute to cycling.
Wo hoo!