Is it true that you gain weight once you stop smoking?

Question

I have not had a cigarette in 7 days. My intentions are to finally quit for good. I have been eating everything that has not run from me for the last week and can feel my size 7 frame starting to explode.
I can only assume that since I am no longer spending my time smoking that now I am trying to fill that time with eating. Anyone else out there experience this and if so how did you manage these cravings?

Thanks for everyones answers. I think I have decided to exercise , instead of eating, even if it is just pacing around the house.

Answer 1

That is not always the case. I did not gain any weight when I quit smoking, but that may be due to a number of factors. I have a naturally thin frame; I don't eat to excess, and I walk most places.

It is also a matter of discipline. Don't eat when you are not hungry. Do not eat just for the sake of doing something. You should eat to live, not the other way around.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Your metabolism slows down when you quit smoking. My husband and I both gained weight when we quit about a year ago. (I found out I was pregnant so we quit together.) You'll probably only gain about 10 lbs, but at least you will be healthy! With exercise and a healthy diet you will be able to lose the weight you gain from quitting. Try to keep only healthy snacks in your house. That way if you have cravings, at least you will be eating healthy stuff. I know it's hard. It will be a year on X-Mas Eve since we quit, and I still have dreams about smoking lol. It's worth it though. We saved so much money and are much healthier!

Answer 3

Natural Quit Smoking Magic

Answer 4

Hey There!

It's funny but I had quit smoking for 7 years before i started again. It took me 1 year to loose 40 kgs. Since the past one year that i have started smoking again i have gained 30 kgs and cant get rid of it any way even if I work out.

When you smoke you tend to keep ur self busy talk chating or lets say just smoking. but when u dont you get restless and try to keep away from that cigarette and hence you end up eating. Try some sports it surely helps.

Answer 5

Yes, everyone who quit smoking that I know did gain at least a few pounds at first. But they did end up losing it later. You should quit smoking if you are a smoker because the weight gain won't be permanent... death is. ^^

Answer 6

Most smokers, who quit (that I know of) do gain some weight. From what I understand, it is because of two factors. 1.) One's metabolism slows down, once they quit. 2.) To deal with the cravings for cigarettes, or at least to have something to "preoccupy" their mouths. My mom gained over 30lbs, once she quit. IMO, the best way to handle such a situation is to find other ways to "occupy" your mouth, by drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum, or eating low-fat, low carb snacks. In addition, you might want to start excersizing (if you haven't already) or bump up your excersize schedue, now that you've quit. Whatever you do, try to minimize the increase of intake of calories, now that you've quit smoking. That will only lead to a substantial amount of weight gain.

Answer 7

I stopped smoking many years ago and did not put on weight as a result of not smoking. Try something else to fill your time...chew on a pen top or toothpicks, eat healthy foods such as fruit, read a book, do something with your hands!

Answer 8

I'm not a smoker, but I grew up with most of my family as smokers. It's very common to gain weight afterwards, both due to increased health (smoking causes unhealthy weight loss due to its degrading effects on the body) and through eating to suppress cravings. One way to handle this is to snack healthily: baby carrots, low fat ranch dip and celery, etc. Another way is to come up with some way to keep yourself busy: my dad worked on cars, my mom started a collection, scrapbooking old pictures, joining a club, painting, anything to keep your hands busy and your mind off smoking. Congratulations on quitting, and best of luck!!

Answer 9

I personally pondered why I had the urge to light up. So whatever triggered the urge for me to smoke I distracted myself by saying or convincing myself do do something else. Always keep some sugar free gum handy at all times it helps believe me. Hopefully your craving to light up a cigarrette won't as bad. I've been smoke free for 3 months now but it's hell.

Answer 10

Chew gum, do some exercise or something where you cannot smoke at the same time. Stay out of the kitchen unless it is celery or something healthy, go to a gym, chew on a straw, try hypnotism, read a book on the effects of smoking, join a group..................