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| Smoking Cessation And Weight Gain |
Question:
Why does weight gain often follow smoking cessation?
Answer:
The exact reason isn't known; but most evidence points to nicotine, which is
a strong poison. Nicotine makes the body work harder and use more energy in
order to function. The harder the body works, the more calories it burns.
This results in a lower weight. Some scientists speculate that the weight we
return to after quitting smoking is the weight we would have been if we
never smoked. So it is not really a "gain," but actually a return to our
"normal" weight--the weight we would be if we had never smoked.
Some studies have also shown that total calorie intake does increase in the
first few smoke-free weeks. This is usually a short--term response,
generally due to snacking. Studies show that nicotine plays a role in
suppressing the urge to snack. Also, weight gain may be part of the body's
physiological response to nicotine withdrawal.
Although a concern with weight gain is valid, the average weight gain after
quitting is far less risky to your health than continuing to smoke.
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