Problems usually arise for people, when they stop smoking and weight gain takes over. Excessive weight gain can cause health problems which only lead to more issues, including, but not limited to, breaking their will to stop smoking. But for those that take it carefully, it doesn’t have to be a lost battle; with some basic care and a strong will, nicotine addiction can be beat and the weight issues can be kept under control. Understanding why is always the first step and it will be explained further on.

Why?

For smokers, their metabolism can increase slightly, improving the fat burning process and burning up to two-hundred calories a day. Also, nicotine is an appetite suppressant and come off that unleashes all sorts of once-stunted hormones in the body, increasing food habits. By maintaining the same amount of food a day from before smoking to after smoking, it is possible to shave off that weight gain with some light, thirty-minute exercise. The weight gain is a result of smoking cessation, which itself puts the body into a state of shock. Below is some more information the effects.

Smoking is an addiction and as such the cravings will continue for a while after stopping. It is natural for many people to replace the smoking with other things, which aren’t always constructive. A common result is eating when a craving sets in, increasing weight gain with the snacking, as it is comforting and eases the symptoms of withdrawal.

An appetite suppressant, nicotine messes with insulin, a hormone in the body that controls sugar levels, and this results in slight hyperglycemia. This affects the other signals and hormones in the body that control the hunger feelings people have. It is common for a smoker to have a light between meals, alleviating any need for snacks and decreasing weight in the process.

Beating Weight Gain

First and foremost, exercise is still the best form of weight loss. Thirty minutes a day, five days a week will easily combat weight gain for most people; a simple walk around the block or or light form of exercise will fulfill this requirement. If any cravings ever set in, a bit of exercise will relieve them as well as improving your attitude. In combination with exercise, you should always eat and drink healthily. Avoid the snacks such as crisps, chocolate and biscuits. Instead, have vegetable sticks, like celery or carrots, and drink lots of water. When eating a meal, carefully weigh the calorie count against your recommended daily intake.

Also avoid alcohol as not only is it high in calorie content, but more often than not, people treat alcohol and smoking like bread and butter; they absolutely must go together. This is absolutely not true, so don’t risk a relapse because of it.

Conclusion

While all these steps are important, it is the self-esteem which can make the most difference. The person must feel good about themselves for improving and combating their addiction. However, sometimes an individual may seek to improve themselves too much and run the risk of failing. Patience and being good to themselves is integral to success.

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