Health Articles : Stop Smoking
Stop Smoking : Weight Gain and Quitting Smoking
Many ex-smokers report a small amount of weight gain during the first several weeks following the last cigarette. This minor weight gain is due to the changes in metabolism which our bodies undergo when we quit smoking. A typical weight gain will be anywhere from five to ten pounds during the three to five month period immediately following the cessation of smoking. This amount of gain is entirely normal and can be expected.
The addictive effect of nicotine which is present in each cigarette is why when you quit smoking, you gain weight. Nicotine affects the body in many ways, most harmful. Unfortunately, nicotine also serves some people as a weight control measure. Nicotine in the body has the effect of increasing the metabolism slightly. This slight increase means that more calories are burned without any additional activity. In addition, just the act of smoking the cigarette uses up approximately 200 calories per day in a heavy smoker.
So, when the nicotine gradually dissipates from the body, the metabolism slows slightly and the 200 additional calories which have not been used start to add up in the form of extra ounces, and then pounds. Up to about 10 pounds, the weight gain is entirely normal and average. Beyond that level, you have probably changed your eating habits to the point where you need to look at your reasons for eating.
While it may be difficult to deal with the removal of two health risks at the same time, it is not prudent to remove cigarette smoking from your life while at the same time replacing them with the health risk of obesity. Fortunately, if you maintain the same or similar eating habits as you developed during your smoking days, it should not be difficult to use up the 200 added calories your body does not expend each day by taking a few simple steps. That statement can be taken either literally, as in taking a brisk walk after dinner, especially if that is the time when you previously grabbed your cigarettes; or it can be taken figuratively. Planning ahead to decide what actions you will take once you've drawn that last bit of smoke into your lungs is wise.
Quitting SmokingQuitting smoking is serious business and one in which every possible technique and method and aid which can be rallied to one's support ..... You will feel better about yourself; because you know you can decide on a course and stick to it. You can use that new determination to resolve you will not let your weight get out of control. After all, one of the goals of stopping smoking is to be living a healthier life. Don't spoil your chances by excess weight.
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