Is There A Connection Between Smoking Cessation And Weight Gain?

Aug 19
20:38

2014

Jon Allo

Jon Allo

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Quitting smoking at any age can give back years of life that would be lost by continuing to smoke. But many peope worry about gaining weight and abandon their thoughts of stopping their smoking habit. So how can you avoid weight gain from quitting smoking?

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A lot of people who smoke go through cycles of wanting to give up,Is There A Connection Between Smoking Cessation And Weight Gain? Articles but they worry about the possible weight gain from quitting smoking. Putting on weight can result in a whole other set of health complications. Those who worry about gaining weight often abandon their thoughts of stopping their smoking habit.

They feel it's easier for them to continue smoking than to lose unwanted pounds. In order to look at ways to lose weight after quitting smoking we need to evaluate the reasons why people gain the extra pounds when they quit smoking in the first place.

Why Do You Gain Weight When You Stop Smoking?

First and foremost, nicotine is an appetite suppressant and a stimulant. Your metabolism increases slightly when you smoke. Your metabolism after quitting smoking decreases and your hunger increases. Also, when stress levels are high for smokers, lighting up a cigarette to calm one's nerves is typical. For those who quit smoking, they find other ways to relieve the stress, such as eating.

When a smoker makes a decision to quit, cravings are normal. To control these cravings, food is often the substitute. High calorie, high sugar foods like chocolate bars are usually the substitute as they are easy to get, quick to eat and give you that little buzz almost immediately. But the calories add up, the metabolism is slowed and, sadly, the weight gain from quitting smoking begins.

Keep Yourself Busy.

You can prevent weight gain when giving up smoking by counteracting the actions that cause you to put on weight in the to begin with. If a craving occurs, go for a long walk or listen to music. Read a book or start a low stress project to keep your mind busy. Whatever you do, keep yourself occupied.

When an overactive appetite becomes an issue after you quit smoking then look at healthier food snacks. Eat carrot sticks rather than potato chips or dried fruit as an alternative to biscuits. Low calorie and sugar free snack foods have vastly improved and, in some cases, are every bit as good as their junk food alternatives. Healthier options for snacks will help avoid too much weight gain from quitting smoking.

How To Control Weight Gain.

Sometimes weight gain becomes unavoidable for a smoker who has recently given up. If you begin an exercise program without delay, you can avoid putting on more weight and it can help you to lose the few pounds that have been put on since you stopped smoking.

Drink lots of water in between meals to help fill you up so you won't feel too much of an urge to eat tempting foods. Smoking can be a habit of the past without replacing it with tons of food. Eating sensibly, keeping busy and exercise will help you to lose weight after quitting smoking.