Is weight gain inevitable after you quit smoking? What causes this?
Answer
from Edward C. Rosenow III, M.D.
It's fairly common to gain weight after quitting smoking, especially in the first few months ? but it isn't inevitable.
The nicotine in cigarettes acts as an appetite suppressant. The nicotine may slightly increase your metabolism as well. When you quit smoking, your appetite and metabolism return to normal ? which may lead you to eat more and burn fewer calories. Also, your ability to smell and taste food improves after you quit smoking. This can make food more appealing, which may lead you to eat more. And if you substitute snacking for smoking, the calories may quickly add up.
To avoid weight gain when you quit smoking, make diet and exercise part of your quit-smoking plan. It may help to:
Answer
from Edward C. Rosenow III, M.D.
It's fairly common to gain weight after quitting smoking, especially in the first few months ? but it isn't inevitable.
The nicotine in cigarettes acts as an appetite suppressant. The nicotine may slightly increase your metabolism as well. When you quit smoking, your appetite and metabolism return to normal ? which may lead you to eat more and burn fewer calories. Also, your ability to smell and taste food improves after you quit smoking. This can make food more appealing, which may lead you to eat more. And if you substitute snacking for smoking, the calories may quickly add up.
To avoid weight gain when you quit smoking, make diet and exercise part of your quit-smoking plan. It may help to:
- Get moving. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day not only burns calories but helps relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Make wise food choices. Plan good-for-you meals and snacks, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eat smaller portions. Limit sweets and alcohol.
- Keep your mouth busy. Chew on celery, carrot sticks, flavored toothpicks or sugarless gum.
- Track your eating habits. Keep a food diary, including when, what and how much you eat every day.