The Issue of Weight Gain after Quitting Smoking

One perceptible result from quitting smoking is weight gain. This is a typical scenario for every person after ridding the habit. But this should not be the reason for smokers not to give up smoking. Remember that giving up smoking would mean a happier and healthier living.

What makes weight gain possible after quitting smoking is the fact that the absence of nicotine substance would trigger the body's appetite to increase. Nicotine is a chemical substance found in cigarettes, which is addictive. When you smoke the body burns more calories, preventing weight gain to arise. This could be the reason why majority of those who regularly smoke significantly lose weight.

Nicotine is also considered an appetite suppressant and a stimulant. As an appetite suppressant, it helps in reducing a person's appetite. On the other hand, as a stimulant, nicotine reduces the secretion of hormones that would trigger hunger. This is why people would turn to foods after they quit smoking. The absence of nicotine would prompt them to do so. Food serves as a replacement that fills in the craving. Weight gain from quitting smoking may also vary according to how long a person is engaged into smoking. Like those who smoke for over ten to twenty years are more prone to weight gain. But the issue on weight gain can also be rectified or prevented by incorporating a healthy diet combined with regular exercises. Moreover, alcohol intake should also be avoided during this period. This is one reason why quitters should not consider weight gain a problem when stopping smoking.