Tip of the Day
Smoking Cessation and Weight Gain
Quitting smoking is associated with significant health benefits, but fear of gaining weight after quitting seems to be a real hurdle against stopping for some.
Some people don’t gain weight at all after quitting, but some have gained an average of about 10 pounds after quitting smoking. This weight gain can happen for a couple of reasons. First, when smokers quit, they may feel hungrier for the first few weeks. Second, they may snack more after they stop smoking.
Quit smoking and avoid weight gain by:
- Keeping busy: working with puzzles, knitting, drawing
- Drinking less caffeine. For ex-smokers, coffee is highly associated with smoking.
- Getting enough sleep. When you feel tired, you are more likely to crave cigarettes and food.
- Going for a walk instead of a cigarette break.
- Stocking up on convenient, healthy foods to have on hand when the urge for a snack hits. Go for low-fat dairy products. They are a great source of calcium and vitamin D, and some ex-smokers may have fragile bones.
For more information on leading a healthier lifestyle, consult a registered dietitian in your area and learn more about maintaining a Healthy Weight.
Receive the Tip of the Day RSS Feed!
Reviewed December 2012