Why Do People Gain Weight When They Quit Smoking?

Many people who are trying to quick smoking are concerned about the possibility of weight gain. While this is a real concern for many people, it’s important to consider it isn’t a foregone conclusion. Let’s consider some of the reasons why individuals tend to gain weight when they stop smoking.

Psychological Reasons

While it’s true that nicotine is physically addictive, much of the habit is simply in our heads. Many times the habit revolves around putting something in our mouths. We replace cigarettes for snack foods.

Biological Reasons

While much of it is psychological, a lot of it has to do with the makeup of our body chemistry. Nicotine is not only an appetite suppressant, but it also speeds up the body’s metabolism. Smoking itself can actually contribute to weight loss.

So what can be done about it?

It’s so important to quit smoking; however you want to make sure you won’t have to lose any weight when you’re done. Below are a few simple things you can do to help you as you try to quit:

• Healthy snacks: Right after you quit you may feel the need to snack between meals. Because of this it’s important to include healthy snacks into your diet. Instead of snacking on cookies or candy, try carrot sticks instead.
• Medication: Nicotine replacement therapy has been proven to give positive results. Most people either use the patch, pill or gum. Nicotine gum can be especially helpful, because not only does it help control your cravings, but it also takes care of the psychological need to have something in your mouth.

Conclusion

It can be thrilling experience to finally kick the smoking habit; however experiencing weight gain afterwards, can only lead to depression. This doesn’t have to happen to you. The best solution is to take action before you actually decide to quit. This way you can make sure you have a healthy transition to your smoke free life.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES to Quit Smoking

Related Articles

• Effects of Smoking - The effects of smoking depend on how long you have been smoking, and what you smoke. Many feel it’s safer to smoke a pipe or cigar than cigarettes, but in general, they are wrong. Learn all the effect smoking has on the body today. Share and Enjoy:
• Why Is It Harder For Teens To Quit Smoking? - Teenagers can be extremely susceptible to peer pressure. Many times they pick up bad habits which can last a lifetime. Smoking is no exception. Find out why smoking is so hard for teenagers to quit. Share and Enjoy:
• What Is the Doubling Speed for small Cell Lung Cancer? - One of the biggest concerns with cancer is how quickly it can spread throughout the body. The quicker it spreads, the more painful treatment options can be. The doubling speed is a measurement of how quickly cancer is spread. Share and Enjoy:
• How Long Does Nicotine Stay in Your System? - The length of time nicotine stays in the body depends on how much is used, and whether that use is on a consistent daily basis or just socially. Find out more today! Share and Enjoy:
• What to Expect With the End Stages of Emphysema - Emphysema is characterized by limitation of airflow during breathing. It is a progressive condition and will steadily worsen over time. Emphysema affects both smokers and non-smokers, 23% of patients have never smoked. Share and Enjoy:
• Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer - the Stages and Causes - Lung cancer is a horrible disease that affects the cells of the lungs and surrounding areas. While it can be terminal, in many cases it is preventable. In this article we’ll not only look at the symptoms of lung cancer, but the causes and its 4 stages. Share and Enjoy:
• How Nicotine Affects Erectile Dysfunction - One of the most common side effects of smoking is erectile dysfunction which affects 50% of male smokers. There are many ways in which cigarettes can contribute to difficulty maintaining an erection. Share and Enjoy: