Smoking Cessation and Weight Gain
Many who try to quit cigarettes and didn't, always had this tried and true fall back
excuse, "I'm glad I didn't quit because smoking cessation and weight gain are
related. I didn't want to gain all that weight anyway". My answer is always the same.
If a smoker chose between the death and injury rate associated with smoking and
smoking related diseases, or that of a ten pound quit smoking weight gain, which
should they take? I think the science and health community would gladly accept the
smoking cessation and weight gain.
The plain truth is that some people do have quit smoking weight gain, the weight
gain may be significant for a very small percentage of the smoking population.
However, a study* evaluated the use of a placebo stop smoking aid and found the
participants only had a 3.5 pound weight gain on average during the first 30 days of
smoking cessation while taking the placebo, in essence, quitting cold turkey. That
weight gain would be considered negligible for 99% of would-be smokers who
want to quit. In comparison, I put on five pounds during last year's Thanksgiving
holiday. Trust me, that had nothing to do with smoking cessation and weight gain.
Interestingly, those in the study who used more than 9 pieces of nicotine gum per
day, had less quit smoking weight gain during the first 30 days of the quit attempt.
The researchers saw a similar effect for those who used the 4 mg dose instead of
the 2 mg dose of nicotine gum.
If you're concerned about smoking cessation and weight gain, don't be. On average
the quit smoking weight gain will be insignificant and if you're using nicotine gum,
you may not even gain a single pound. But make sure you use the nicotine gum
correctly. Review our nicotine gum page for proper instruction.
But, if you remain leery of smoking cessation and weight gain, then plan out new
habits to replace the unhealthy ones. Enroll in an exercise class or begin a walking
routine; just get active. Try eating crunchy veggies, like celery or carrots when the
cravings hit, instead of junk food and candy. Not only will you be tackling the
cravings, but you will also be addressing the worrisome smoking cessation and
weight gain.
Many who try to quit cigarettes and didn't, always had this tried and true fall back
excuse, "I'm glad I didn't quit because smoking cessation and weight gain are
related. I didn't want to gain all that weight anyway". My answer is always the same.
If a smoker chose between the death and injury rate associated with smoking and
smoking related diseases, or that of a ten pound quit smoking weight gain, which
should they take? I think the science and health community would gladly accept the
smoking cessation and weight gain.
The plain truth is that some people do have quit smoking weight gain, the weight
gain may be significant for a very small percentage of the smoking population.
However, a study* evaluated the use of a placebo stop smoking aid and found the
participants only had a 3.5 pound weight gain on average during the first 30 days of
smoking cessation while taking the placebo, in essence, quitting cold turkey. That
weight gain would be considered negligible for 99% of would-be smokers who
want to quit. In comparison, I put on five pounds during last year's Thanksgiving
holiday. Trust me, that had nothing to do with smoking cessation and weight gain.
Interestingly, those in the study who used more than 9 pieces of nicotine gum per
day, had less quit smoking weight gain during the first 30 days of the quit attempt.
The researchers saw a similar effect for those who used the 4 mg dose instead of
the 2 mg dose of nicotine gum.
If you're concerned about smoking cessation and weight gain, don't be. On average
the quit smoking weight gain will be insignificant and if you're using nicotine gum,
you may not even gain a single pound. But make sure you use the nicotine gum
correctly. Review our nicotine gum page for proper instruction.
But, if you remain leery of smoking cessation and weight gain, then plan out new
habits to replace the unhealthy ones. Enroll in an exercise class or begin a walking
routine; just get active. Try eating crunchy veggies, like celery or carrots when the
cravings hit, instead of junk food and candy. Not only will you be tackling the
cravings, but you will also be addressing the worrisome smoking cessation and
weight gain.
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| Copyright 2010-12 StopSmokingHelper.org. All rights reserved. |
| *This study can be found in the journal Addiction and is entitled, "Effect of compliance with nicotine gum dosing on weight gained during a quit attempt". |
| We've been helping people breathe easier for 20 years. Let our experience help you. www.stopsmokinghelper.org |
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