Smoking and Weight Control

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While McLeod likes to emphasize that gain weight isn’t necessarily large and it can revert to normal after a few weeks, Kozlowski says he thinks it’s more constructive for smokers to understand that any weight gain may not be temporary.

If they don’t understand that, they may use it as an excuse to go back to smoking. Theories vary on why ex-smokers gain weight. There is evidence to suggest that the body’s metabolism slows once nicotine is withdrawn, meaning calories are burned more slowly. Nicotine is also an appetite depressant. McLeod also says cigarettes are believed to cause increased urination, and ex-smokers tend to drink more fluids. Kozlowski says smokers tend to have lower body weights than the rest of the population and, when they kick the habit, their weight approaches the norm.

Smoking is also an oral gratification and smokers often say they need to replace their habit with snacking. One U.S. study found that when nicotine is withdrawn from the diet, people develop an increased preference for sweet, high-calorie foods. McLeod’s association says people who are trying to stop smoking should eat three meals a day. A good breakfast can make you stronger for the day and help you fight the cravings for cigarettes.

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