Is weight gain unavoidable when someone quits smoking?
Modest weight gain is not unusual when a smoker quits smoking, but it is not universal. Nicotine can cause an increase in the body’s metabolic (calorie-burning) rate. When people stop smoking, they can gain weight from the body returning to its normal metabolism and the tendency to eat when they would have smoked. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to avoid weight gain after quitting. Two or three ten- or fifteen-minute blocks of activity can burn up enough calories to compensate for a drop in metabolic rate. Exercise can also reduce stress and improve your mood, which can decrease emotion-based eating. The main sources of increased calorie consumption when people quit smoking seem to be snacks and alcohol. Some people find the urge to smoke or eat excessively easier to handle if they eat small amounts of food several times a day. This will keep your blood sugar from dropping too low, which can stimulate the urge to eat. The key is to choose balanced snacks, not just sweets or
