Why Ex-Smokers Gain Weight

Why do ex-smokers gain weight?

As a child, I remember the smoke in my house being so thick that I could hardly see through the foggy curtain. I was miserable, unable to breathe at times, particularly when the family was locked inside the car on long trips and the air-conditioner was going. Time will tell the extent of damage done. On that note, if you currently smoke and have children, if you find that you can't quit smoking, I would encourage you to smoke outdoors when they (and the family pets) aren't around. I've seen firsthand how difficult it is to kick the habit. And then there's the fear of weight gain.

Without getting preachy, here are a few reasons why ex-smokers tend to gain weight. Also, I wanted to make it clear that giving up smoking doesn't automatically mean that an individual will gain weight. But I can guarantee the smoker that they will gain so much more in way of a healthier body, improved breathing, whiter teeth, fresher breath, more vibrant skin - and a longer life! And now for the reasons why ex-smokers gain weight:.

Nicotine influences metabolic rate by increasing the speed at which calories are burned, therefore the ex-smoker has a slower metabolism.

Insulin levels are suppressed by nicotine thus stroking up those sweet desires. And we all know how many calories those come with.

Smoking is a habit. When the ex-smoker reaches for that pack of smokes and it's not there, they generally transfer those desires to food.

Stress triggers weight gain. Kicking the smoking habit is stressful and eating is a common spontaneous reaction to stress. Even worrying about weight gain is enough to drive the ex-smoker to the pantry in search of answers.

Taste buds awake and everything suddenly tastes wonderful to the ex-smoker, thus prompting overeating.

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