The first reason to explain this weight gain is primarily the behavior of the smokers themselves. At the European Congress on Obesity, which is being held in Venice this year, British scientists presented the results of a study during which they analyzed the data of 83,000 adults collected between 2004 and 2022.
They noticed that smokers often have less healthy eating habits than non-smokers. They skip meals more often, eat more fried food and add more salt and sugar to their meals.
But there is also a metabolic aspect. Nicotine has a metabolism-boosting effect, which means that smokers burn slightly more calories than non-smokers.
When you stop smoking, you lose the effect of “boosting” your metabolism. But we continue to eat as before, or even more, and consume fewer calories. That explains the weight gain.
How to maintain a “healthy” weight?
Fear of this caloric gain is often cited as a reason not to try to quit smoking. But as a general rule, rest assured, a person who quits smoking will return to their non-smoking weight. Furthermore, 16% of ex-smokers lose weight after quitting. Finally, there are solutions to avoid weight gain after quitting smoking:
Eat healthy: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks and saturated fats: Physical activity is essential to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight: A doctor or nutritionist can help you develop a personalized plan for weight loss or maintenance. healthy weight after quitting smoking.
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