I am 65 years old and quit smoking 12 weeks ago on the new chantix pill. Works great, but I have gained 8 #?

Answer 1

There are two reasons for this:

1) Smoking can act as an appetite suppressant, which means that you will be eating more when you stop smoking b/c you will be more hungry.

2) Smoking raises your metabolism because it is a stimulant and because it forces your heart to pump faster to get enough oxygen to the rest of your body. When you're not smoking anymore, you burn less calories every day.

You just need to be aware that those things are going on, and try to eat a little bit less every day. It might be a good idea to start exercising some more, too, but nothing too strenuous at first. Aim for walking 30 minutes 3-4x a week, then increase from there.

Answer 2

Well i have been off for almost 4 months (from chantix) and I've gained close to 15, NOW - this has nothing to do with chantix, just that I've replaced food w/ smoking. I've stopped eating the sweets and the junk food and started Weight Watchers. I needed to go on a diet before quitting, but I am doing one step at a time.

Just try walking (it's a lot easier now - trust me) and drink plenty of water!

Ok, I know this sounds cheesy, but I have actually started to paint my nails every night - this keeps my hands occupied for a while!!! My most dangerous place to eat is when I'm in front of the TV!!

Answer 3

First, congratulations! I quit two and a half years ago, after smoking for ten years. I weaned myself off of the cigarettes. (I bought a pack on Monday and by Friday, I smoked the last one. I would go out for a smoke, and maybe not at first, but I would only smoke half of it, then put it out. I would force myself to wait longer between going out, then smoke the other half and repeat, making sure the time between the smokes was longer. By Friday midnight, I was done.)

Are you replacing food for cigarettes? I've heard that's common. However, I think I started walking more after that, or even nibbled on healthier foods as well. (It was at that time I really started looking at what I was and wasn't doing to my body. Soon after I completely cut out meat, too.) I probably grabbed water or a can of diet soda instead of a cig. (The soda may have only been slightly better.)

Anyway, I really don't remember replacing something for a cig, though I think I went through the collection of mints and hard candies I collected from restaurants and conventions, though. I've heard that replacing is common, which is why I asked. Because I changed my habits of food, exercise, and smoking, I lost weight. (The best moment was when I was doing my morning yoga [something I regrettedbly don't do any more, first from the move, then from my pregnancy] and I realized that I was naturally breathing deeper.)

I did have one slight drawback from smoking. My husband is a seminary student persuing his Master's of Divinity degree. We lived on campus and in the apartment complex, everybody pretty much knew everybody. (He's doing his internship this year, and we're moving back next year so he can finsih his classroom work.) So with me being outside, I would often see people and we would chat for a bit. I didn't see friends and neighbors as often. However, that's a minor drawback.

I'm sorry if I've not been of much help, but I do understand at least.

Answer 4

Well that is the hard part. Food begins to take the place of that thing you put to your lips and enhaled! And food just tastes better. I know I quit 8 years ago, gained 30 lbs, lost 20 lbs, and am still fighting to keep it off. You really have to cut back on the size of your portions and what you are eating. Stick to fruits, vegetables and natural products, not those that are processed in anyway. When you put food on your plate, start with the vegtables and/or fruit, then add protein.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

A slight weight gain is normal, just make sure you don't substitute smoking with eating. Smoking is also a hand to mouth habit - eating is a hand to mouth habit...therefore it is easy to substitute one for the other. Try picking up a new habit such as something healthy. Try walking or gardening, go out and pull a couple weeds each time you get the urge for a smoke or something to eat. Do something with your hands to keep them busy and away from your mouth. It is a habit that also needs to be broke.

Answer 6

That's pretty common for anyone who quits smoking or using tobacco. You've developed a habit over the years and you mind still wants to smoke, so you replace the habit with food. Plus, smoking decreases your apatite and you get that back when you quit.

Happened to me too.

Answer 7

first of all, a big congrats to you for quitting smoking, i'm 41, i have tried to quit many times but never have been able to.
but gaining a little weight i hear is totally normal. you will lose it with time as you wont need to substitute smoking with food. but good luck and congrats again.

Answer 8

Cigarettes substitute a craving for food, so you lose weight and if that doesn't happen then you gain weight by substituting food for your cigarette addiction. Exercise more and stay on track. Congrats on quiting smoking!!!!!

Answer 9

ye ha! good for you. is chantix the med that is supposed to block the nicotine recepters? i'm seeing my doc about that soon. it worked huh?
8 pounds isn't to bad. it's summer. lots more things to do. start taking walks or maybe swimming. it'll help with the weight and your lung capacity.
stay busy. congrats to you. i hope works for me too.

Answer 10

Better to gain 8 lbs than have your lungs wither away and become eat up with cancer!