Tips To Avoid Weight Gain When Quitting Smoking

If you're looking to quit smoking this Stoptober but are worried about the potential weight gain, we've pulled together some tips to help you.

Why do people gain weight when they quit smoking?

It is believed that weight gain occurs because nicotine can act as an appetite suppressant. And this means that once you quit, you will feel hungrier than normal due to the absence of continual nicotine in your body. In addition to this, nicotine can also speed up your body's metabolism, and when you stop smoking this metabolism slows back down, and you will need fewer calories than before. This is because your body is no longer burning calories at the same speedy rate as it was before.

Finally, you might also put on weight as you may start to replace the physical action of smoking (hand to mouth action) with snacking instead.

Tips to minimise weight gain:

To minimise weight gain, there are some steps you can take that focus on healthy eating and regular exercise.

Regular exercise

To keep your metabolism moving at a good rate, be sure to exercise regularly. Walking, jogging, cycling and swimming are all good low-impact cardio exercise that will help.

Be aware of portion size

While you may have been able to eat more before, and burn off the calories quicker, be mindful that as your metabolism slows you may want to eat smaller portion sizes.

Healthy snacks

If you are worried that you might replace smoking breaks with snack breaks, be sure to have healthy treats available. Carrot sticks, fruit, and nuts are all good to have, and they will also help with any hunger pangs too.

If you are concerned about stopping smoking and the effect it might have on your diet and weight, be sure to seek help from your GP. They can help you with appropriate plans and advice to see you through.