Quitting smoking will cause weight gain?

health

Quitting smoking will cause weight gain?

By Alpro Pharmacy

April 20, 2023

It is possible for some people to gain weight after quitting smoking, but it is not true for everyone.

There are several reasons why people may gain weight after quitting smoking:

Increased appetite

Nicotine is an appetite suppressant, which means that when you smoke, you may eat less than you would otherwise. When you quit smoking, your appetite may increase, and you may find yourself snacking more often or eating larger meals. This can lead to weight gain if you consume more calories than your body needs.

To avoid this, it can be helpful to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time, and to focus on healthy, nutrient-dense foods that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. You can also try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which can help curb your appetite.

Slower metabolism

Smoking can increase your metabolism, which means that you burn more calories at rest than you would otherwise. When you quit smoking, your metabolism may slow down, making it easier to gain weight if you continue to eat the same amount of food as you did when you smoked.

To counteract this, you can try to increase your physical activity by taking walks, doing yoga, or engaging in other forms of exercise that you enjoy. This can help boost your metabolism and burn more calories, which can help prevent weight gain.

Substituting food for smoking

Some people use food as a substitute for smoking, which means that when they quit smoking, they turn to food to satisfy their cravings. This can lead to overeating and weight gain if you consume more calories than your body needs.

To avoid this, you can try to find other ways to cope with cravings, such as chewing gum, drinking water, or practicing deep breathing exercises. You can also seek support from friends and family, or join a support group for people who are quitting smoking.

In conclusion, while some people may gain weight after quitting smoking, it is not inevitable. By being aware of the potential for weight gain and taking steps to prevent it, you can quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight at the same time.