What causes weight gain after quitting?
When smokers quit, they may gain weight for a number of reasons. These include: • Feeling hungry. Quitting smoking may make a person feel hungrier than usual. This feeling usually goes away after several weeks. • Having more snacks and alcoholic drinks. Some people eat more high-fat, high-sugar snacks and drink more alcoholic beverages after they quit smoking. • Burning calories at normal rate again. Smoking cigarettes makes the body burn calories faster. After quitting smoking, the body’s normal rate of burning calories returns. When calories are burned more slowly again, weight gain may take place. Can I avoid weight gain? To help yourself gain only a small amount or no weight when you stop smoking, try to: • Accept yourself • Get regular moderate-intensity physical activity • Limit snacking and alcohol • Consider using medication to help you quit. Accept yourself Do not worry about gaining a few pounds. Instead, feel proud that you are helping your health by quitting smoking. Stoppi
