Weight Loss and Stopping Smoking? Yes it is possible

[Dr_Hays]

This week an article in U.S. News http://bit.ly/2cGDVWX discuses a concern that is close to the heart for many smokers and former smokers – weight gain after stopping smoking.  In the article a former patient of ours describes how he found the ‘sweet spot’, and lost weight after stopping smoking.  As he attests, it can be done.  While it is common to gain weight when stopping, it is not inevitable. 

Snacking on calorie dense foods and having larger portions during meals is probably the major cause for gaining weight after becoming tobacco free.  Smoking suppresses appetite and once a person stops, their appetite returns and food may become more appealing.   In addition, sometimes people become less active when they stop smoking.  No longer do they have to leave their home or office every time they need a smoke.  These little calorie burners can add up over the course of a year.

Making healthy snack choices, watching portion size, eating mindfully to fully enjoy each bite, and becoming more physically active are the keys to achieving a healthy weight along with a healthy smoke free lifestyle.  You can use that additional time and energy gained from stopping smoking to engage in an exercise plan.  Get support from family or friends for your healthy lifestyle changes.  You can join in the becomeanex.org community discussions for additional support. https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Simona-blog/2008/04/01/weight-gain-problems-when-quitting-s...

For more information please read the inspiring article in U.S. News, and find additional information on the Mayo Clinic website http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/expert-answers/quit-smoking/faq-20058312.

Enjoy living healthy and free. 

[TerrieQuit]

It was so hard to quit smoking that I allowed myself to eat all the time and anything I felt like. I have always been thin so I wasn't really worried about it until I had been quit about 6 months and had gained 25 3s and had "love handles". I now have 436 days and 2-3 months ago I started losing the weight just by walking my dogs twice a day and not sitting smoking all the time. I eat pretty healthily, but I wish the weight was coming off quicker.

Thanks for this article, Dr Hays! Terrie

[plug66]

shush you twig.....omg

[Dr_Hays]

Keep up the good work Terrie.  The pace of dropping weight can seem discouragingly slow.  Adding a little more activity, and continuing to make improvements in diet will get you to where you want to be.

[shashort]

Thanks Dr. Hayes. I have to say I was worried about weight gain when I stopped smoking too.  When I quit smoking I increased my exercise considerably for means of  a good crave buster so I am fortunately have been losing wieght but not as fast as I would like. I also am trying to eat healthier. I already needed to lose before my quitting smoking and was determined that I didn't gain much during the quit.  I think what helped me is I didn't replacing eating for smoking which some tend to do. I have managed to lose during the quit now continuing on with weight loss goals. Thanks for the information.

[maryfreecig]

Welp, I'm eating pickles and radishes right now. I gained about 8-10 pounds, most of it off now after I quit. I watched my appetite to a certain extent, walked alot, still do. But, because I was working my  quit to the fullest I allowed for stuff I liked to eat, and that sure wasn't green spinach and 3 oz of fish with a side of celery. No, I walked to McDonalds from time to time, bought small fries and a cheesbuger for about a total of 500 calories and then  I walked about a mile and a half back to my car. My motto, when you can't get through something, get around it. Since I love water, fruits, veggies too, I've been able to moderate. No to the cigs, yes to an apple turnover with a healthy dose of walking.

[artwork36]

What can I do when I am stressed because every time I get ready to quit somethings goes wrong such as a death in a family or a friend, going to court or facing certain family members in public.

[CommunityAdmin]

@artwork36 Have you figured out ways to manage stressful situations you mention?

Stress and resilience - EX Community  is a past post by the Mayo Clinic team that you may find helpful.