Weight Gain and Cravings
If you're afraid to stop smoking because you think you might put on weight, you're not alone. Its actually one of the most common reasons why smokers, particularly women, find it hard to quit. There are reasons to be more optimistic though, as the cravings and weight gain of withdrawal are nowhere near as bad as people think.
On this page you can find out why exactly you might gain weight after quitting, why that might not be so bad, and what you can do about it. Whatever happens though, always remember this - the health benefits of quitting far outweigh the desire to fit in those skinny jeans!
Why do you gain weight after quitting?
There's no doubt that smokers tend to gain weight when they quit. In fact, around 80% of smokers do just that. However the weight gain is usually small, 5 to 10 pounds at most, and in most cases reverses after a short period. Weight gain happens for these two reasons.
Firstly, its true that nicotine helps to speed your metabolism, and that long-term smokers are, on average, slightly thinner than their non-smoker counterparts. During withdrawal, smokers tend to put on a few pounds in weight as their metabolism drops. However, its also true that this weight tends to fall off in the long run as the body gets used to not having nicotine.
Secondly, when people try to stop smoking they tend to compensate for the feeling that nicotine gave them by using food. Smoking gives you something to do with your hands and food even tastes better when you give your taste buds a break from tobacco! Also, be warned that withdrawal symptoms can trick you into thinking that you are hungry. However, this overeating is nothing to be scared of - it tends to disappear over time, in the same way that your metabolism reverts back to normal.
Is weight gain a bad thing?
Normally, weight gain is considered a bad thing for your health. However, its also important to realise the improvements in your health that you'll see when you stop smoking. Even if you do put on some extra weight, you will still be a much fitter person and your life expectancy will probably increase.
Your body will change for the better after quitting. Among women especially, smoking leads to an unnatural, masculine weight gain around the waistline and the gut. This type of fat distribution has been associated with ailments like heart disease and diabetes. On the other hand, when women quit smoking their body returns to a much healthier weight distribution, focused more around the hips.
What can you do about it?
While a little weight gain is OK and perfectly natural, its also important not to spoil the health benefits of quitting by putting on an unhealthy amount of weight. Here are some tips to help you stay slim.
• Boost your metabolism in other ways. Compensate for the drop in your metabolism by going to the gym and increasing your muscle mass. Other tips to increase your metabolism here.
• Drink more water. Withdrawal will tell your body that its hungry even when its not, so fill up by drinking more water. A glass before meals will reduce your appetite.
• Consume less alcohol. You should try to avoid partying for a month or two after quitting anyway, so this should be easy!
• Exercise more frequently. As well as helping you to deal with the psychological stress of quitting, exercise will burn calories and increase your metabolism.
• Fill your fridge with healthy snacks like chopped vegetables and fruit. When you do succumb to a craving, make sure you have something healthy nearby to eat!