I've put on so much weight since i stopped smoking 10 weeks ago no i'ts depressing me?

Question

I don't eat sweets chocolate or biscuits but still the weight goes on i've gained nearly a stone since i quit smoking, please help as it's making me feel really down

Thankyou so much for all your positive answers I certainly feel better for reading them. I am limited with the type of exercise that i can do due to severe joint problems, will increase my walking pace that may help.

Answer 1

Do some exercise.

Answer 2

Firstly, well done for giving up smoking!! Even though you're not eating sweets, chocolate etc it may be that you have increased your food portions without realising it. Not smoking doesn't make you put weight on it's the fact that cigarettes are known to be an appetite suppressant and without the cigs you will feel hungrier. The only way really is to maintain a healthy diet and try to do some exercise. I know it's a struggle but it definitely works. You should try to be positive and be proud of the fact that you have done so well to give up in the first place, it's a big deal.
I'm sorry that there's no quick fix (I would take it myself!), I've just started Weight Watchers as I have a stone to lose and I found my first meeting really motivational. I've been following the plan which is really easy and I know it will help me lose weight because of the support I'll get from the meetings.

I know that it can make you feel down but be careful not to fall into the cycle of comfort eating (that's how I put the weight on). Get some support from family and friends and work out the best plan for you.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I really sympathise, the same happened to me when I quit last year. I gained 20lbs.

First of all, the average smoker is meant to gain about 5-10 lbs purely from the change in metabolism. This can be counter-acted by more excercise, and eating small amounts frequently.

Most of us gain more because smoking is an appetite suppressant, so when we quit we just end up eating more without realising. I was sure I didn't eat any more than usual, but then i realised that I was eating a whole frozen pizza for dinner and still being hungry, when I wasn't even able to finish one by myself before.

I think the best way to lose weight is Weight Watchers- it's a healthy plan, and everyone I know who follows it is happy and sees results. And it can be social too if you go to the meetings!

Answer 4

Please don't worry about it. I stopped smoking ten months ago and have put on a stone and a half. Thankfully, the weight gain is beginning to decrease.

At the moment, concentrate on the positives you have attained. You've successfully quit smoking, and that's one hell of an achievement! Well done!

The bad news is weight gain is a necessary side effect. You WILL put weight on for a period of time. Counteract this by eating sensibly and exercising, but mainly by thinking that although you may have gained a few pounds, you've successfully began to decrease risks of lung cancer, heart disease and artery-thickening.

Congratulations on what you've achieved, and keep it up! You'll be able to control the weight a little better before you know it.

Well done again!

Answer 5

Count all of your calories, weight doesn't appear because you stopped smoking; weight appears because you eat more calories than you burn.
By the way, you must also count the calories you eat when there is no one there to witness your consumption. Also, colas, popcorn, etc., that you purchase when you are out. Better stop it now, or you'll have the excuse you are looking for to start smoking again, gal. I broke a 4 pack a day habit; a bit of a stiff upper lip, sugarless gum, nicotine tabs might help, but basically it is will power. After 18 years, I still want one sometimes.
Another inducement: think of all the money, and at least for a while treat yourself to great things with the money you would have spent. I've taken trips around the world, paid for new cars, and retired early, in part due to not smoking, and in large part to not drinking.

Answer 6

Congratulations on 10 weeks of being smoke free!

Stress can make you gain some weight. Don't get overly concerned about your weight. Think more about being healthy and looking good. Diet is extremely important. To slim your body you must:

Burn more calories than you eat.

Cut your fat intake.

Eat three cups of fat free low cal yogurt a day (make sure it has live cultures in it) and fresh pineapple. This helps you break down your food.

Do 45-60 min. of aerobic exercise a day (preferably before you eat in the morning).

Do 20 min of weight training three times a week. This will build lean muscle which will in turn burn fat.

Remember that exercise releases chemicals that help reduce stress and make you feel better which will produce weight loss.

I lost 40 lbs in two months and have kept it off for two more months doing this. I also took my body fat % from 30% to 14%

Be Blessed

Answer 7

Hon, it's normal to put on weight once you quit smoking. It might help to have a detox day once a week or so and make sure you're drinking plenty of water and taking enough fibre, but I think all you can really do is take more exercise than you normally would.

And well done on quitting smoking, even if you do put a bit of weight on you'll still be healthier and sweeter-smelling! :)

Once your body adjusts to the lack of nicotine etc, you should be able to get rid of the weight a bit more easily. Take care of yourself with winter coming up too, the body sometimes over compensates after you quit and leaves you vulnerable to more colds.

Take care...

Answer 8

I truly sympathise. When you quit smoking, you are more inclined to put on weight because food tastes a lot better and plus, you have an unconscious desire to continue the oral fixation that you started with smoking. Before you know it, eating becomes your new addiction.

If you have trouble snacking, bring a bag of carrot sticks around with you. They are small, tasty and healthy and can double as a fake "cigarette" to cure that need to put something in your mouth. I hear this works for a lot of ex-smokers. Don't buy any biscuits or sweets, and if you have them in the house, throw them out now. Do not buy anything that you know you will consume in vast quantities.

Since you now have a greater and increasing lung capacity since quitting, you will have an easier time with exercise. Invest in a bike or a gym membership and spend your extra time exercising. You will start to feel better about yourself when the weight comes off, as you see that the hard work you have done has had a positive result.

Good luck. If you need any further advice, please msg me.

Answer 9

good one for stoping the smoking,it's like your up the wall now and it's nerve recking.don't let it get to you what ever you do try what i do just drink a whole glass of water,and that will help clean your system too at the same time.it's the best way to get your stress out of your way to.drink plenty of water.you'll find the difference and don't worry the weight will drop off if you drink water.stop smoking and gain weight it's not true.it's all in the mind.you have to do something to keep your mind off food too.so just go the fridge and lock it and throw away the key's to it.water is the best medication and nothing can harm you with plenty of water.your doing well honey don't let anyone tell you any different.keep it up love.

Answer 10

simple equation

eat too many calories = put on weight

stopping smoking does not automatically cause an increase in weight - it seems you have swapped one craving for another, but haven't yet realised.
One more point, smoking would definitely kill you , so well done for stopping - a little overeating is not anywhere near as bad, so don't beat yourself up about it.

Answer 11

I gave up smoking about 5 months ago and put on weight for the first 4 months. I am now losing it (weight, I mean.) lol . Don't worry, your weight will get back to normal after a while.