Stop Smoking Weight Gain - Why People Gain Weight When They Quit Smoking

Not everybody, but many people, find that their weight increases when they stop smoking. Why does quitting smoking make you gain weight? What happens to your body when you stop smoking that makes your weight increase?

Quitting smoking can be stressful, and many smokers turn to eating as a way to take their mind of the stress. They may also turn to snacking as a substitute habit, since prepackaged snacks are readily available and easily accessed. Unfortunately, eating to relieve stress or snacking as a substitute habit often means consuming unhealthy, fattening foods that add to your weight.

Stop Smoking Quit

Furthermore, nicotine acts as an appetite suppressant, meaning it curbs your desire to eat. Quitting smoking takes away this effect, but remember that it also takes away that constant injection of nasty toxins you inhale every time you take a puff. A few pounds here and there when you quit is nothing compared to the overall poor health and various diseases such as cancer you may get from constantly smoking.

The nicotine contained in cigarettes and other tobacco products also has the effect of slightly raising the body's metabolism. When you stop smoking, the metabolism goes back down, so you may notice a slight increase in weight. This is why you need to find some other, healthier way of increasing your metabolism after you've quit smoking.

If you've been using weight control as an excuse to smoke, just remember that you're basically trading years of your life for a few pounds off the scale. There are better ways to control your weight that you can use to help you not only stay in shape, but also get rid of the negative effects of smoking more easily.

Stop Smoking Weight Gain - Why People Gain Weight When They Quit Smoking