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How to Deal with Weight Worries
About 2/3 of quitters will gain some weight, usually 10 pounds or less. Here are some reasons why many smokers gain weight when they quit:
- Without nicotine (a stimulant), the body’s metabolism may slow down, so fewer calories are burned. Eating the same number of calories may result in weight gain. In time, the body will readjust.
- Many quitters have stronger cravings for sweets. They choose foods with higher sugar content, which leads to extra calories.
- Food may also smell and taste better so they may eat more, which leads to extra calories.
Keep in mind that your main goal is to become a nonsmoker. Even a few cigarettes a day are much more harmful than a few extra pounds.
Remember:
Keep active to help burn up extra calories. Talk with your doctor about NRT or Zyban®, they may reduce or delay weight gain. Try to relax a little about your weight and focus on quitting. If you can quit smoking, you can do anything!
Calorie burners*
| Activities That Add Up |
Calories Burned |
Slow walking (3 mph)
Light gardening
Golf (carrying clubs)
Hiking
Swimming laps
Biking (8-10mph)
Singles tennis
Steady walking
Heavy housework
Jogging (5.5mph)
Ballroom dancing
Cross country skiing
Brisk walking
|
120
120
125
150
210
210
210
240
250
300
300
350
360
|