Quitting smoking can be a challenge for most people. Aside from the challenge of quitting the habit because of nicotine addiction, there is also the issue of weight gain. According to studies, people who quit smoking gain around ten pounds on average.
Why Quitting Causes Weight Gain
The main reason why quitting smoking leads to considerable weight gain is due to the changes in the body’s metabolism. Nicotine has the ability to increase the body’s metabolic rate. Once the body experiences nicotine withdrawal as what happens when one quits smoking, the metabolic rate also drops. This can then cause the body to pile up excess poundage easier because of the lower metabolic rate.
Another reason why those who quit smoking may also gain weight is that people tend to eat more. When a habit such as smoking is being removed from the usual daily lifestyle, people tend to find something to substitute for it. The easiest alternative available for most people is food. Most people who try to quit smoking tend to substitute eating as their habit. This can also cause weight gain for some people.
Exercise More
One way to avoid gaining weight while quitting the smoking habit is by getting into exercising more. Exercise may be the best alternative that you can substitute for your smoking habit. It may help prevent that drop in metabolic rate that usually happens when nicotine is removed from the system. Exercise itself can help increase metabolism to help avoid weight gain.
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated can also help provide a metabolic boost. Those who are trying to quit smoking should drink plenty of water since it can also help reduce those cravings for a smoke. People can try carrying a water bottle with them all the time instead of a pack of cigarettes.
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