Quit Smoking and Gain Weight

When people think about quitting smoking, one of their concerns is that they will gain weight. One theory is that when people quit smoking, they need something to help with the oral fixation. This makes sense since smoking is an oral habit. When you take away cigarettes, the smoker needs something in their hands and mouth, and many smokers turn to food. But what if the weight gain was not just because you tend to eat more when you quit smoking? What if there was another reason for the weight gain?

I came across an article on Yahoo News yesterday that I found quite interesting. The article, "Smoking may boost 'fat-depleting' gene", discusses the possibility that a gene that is thought to control weight and break down fat is more active in smokers than in non-smokers. If you are interested in reading the full article, click HERE.

While we are on the subject of gaining weight when you quit smoking I want to share some other information that I found interesting. Did you know that nicotine is an appetite suppressant? Or that heavy smokers can burn up to 200 calories a day by smoking? These are 2 more good reasons why smokers gain weight when they quit.

But please, don't continue to smoke because you are afraid you are going to gain weight if you quit. That is just an excuse. One of the main reasons to quit smoking is for your health. Exercising is also good for your health. You do not need to go to the qym and workout for hours on end. Get out and go for a walk. Be active. Don't sit in front of the TV eating junk food and make yourself miserable because you no longer smoke. Get out and enjoy life. And if you do feel like you need to eat, eat fruits and vegetables.