Health Care Tips: Why Gain Weight After Quitting Smoking

why gain weight after quitting smoking

When you quit smoking, it is common to gain weight for several reasons. The stress of quitting smoking contributes to the weight gain. The loss of a vital chemical signal in your brain also plays a part in weight gain after quitting smoking. To avoid this, eat a healthy diet and get more exercise. If you find yourself gaining weight, you may want to consider consulting with a dietitian or doctor.

Nicotine and food share a common chemical reaction in our brains

The effects of nicotine on the brain are complex. It regulates energy homeostasis by influencing the secretion of the hormones insulin and leptin. Nicotine also influences the expression of neuropeptides in the hypothalamic nuclei. Its effects are similar to that of cocaine, but nicotine is not as addictive as these drugs.

In humans, nicotine exerts its effects on the energy homeostasis of the brain through the nAChRs that are widely expressed throughout the body. The nAChRs alter the functions of neurons containing neuropeptides that control our appetite and food intake. The nAChRs also affect the levels of certain peptides in the periphery, which may contribute to nicotine's role in altering food intake.

After quitting smoking, the carbon monoxide level will begin to drop and you will feel less cravings for cigarettes. But this effect lasts only a short time. Nicotine levels will continue to decrease. The reason for this effect is the fact that nicotine triggers receptors in the brain. Once these receptors are deactivated, nicotine will cease to trigger the dopamine release. Moreover, nicotine increases the levels of dopamine in the brain.

Stress of quitting smoking causes weight gain

The cognitive psychology researchers who studied the weight gain caused by smoking found that the former smoker's sense of smell and taste were restored up to 72 hours after the last cigarette was smoked. This reconnection with their favourite food can make them more greedy. Instead of their after-lunch cigarette, former smokers may crave a pastry or coffee break snack. Food's anxiolytic effects can make former smokers feel less anxious, thus decreasing the chances of relapse.

The elevated response to reward may be due to increased caloric intake and altered food composition. The glycemic load of the diet could also contribute to the increased response to nicotine. According to the researchers, a greater focus on nutrition during smoking cessation could help to reduce the sense of deprivation. However, a strict diet plan may have negative effects on quitting smoking. In addition, it can lower extracellular dopamine levels, reducing a smoker's positive mood and increasing their desire to use nicotine.

Loss of important signal contributes to weight gain after quitting smoking

The results of this study highlight that the effects of cigarette smoke on the gut flora are detrimental for weight gain after smoking cessation. The chemicals found in cigarettes alter gut flora and produce altered levels of several metabolites that contribute to weight gain. However, these changes slowly reverse after smoking cessation. This study highlights the importance of addressing this issue in order to prevent weight gain.

The loss of an important signal during smoking cessation is also associated with increased hunger. Because smokers often smoked after meals, their bodies used it as a cue to finish their meal. Once they've stopped smoking, the cigarette may be replaced by food. Despite the weight gain after quitting smoking, the benefits of stopping smoking are far greater than the potential negative side effects of smoking cessation.

Exercise burns calories

People who want to lose weight after quitting smoking should consider increasing their physical activity. Physical activity not only burns more calories but also improves overall health. Smoking cessation also makes it easier to exercise. Exercise can help a smoker's body adjust to the new lifestyle. It can help a smoker to breathe easier and to walk for a half hour at a time. Moreover, the increased level of physical activity will make it easier for a smoker to continue with their daily routine.

The best exercise plan for a smoker to quit smoking involves walking for about 30 minutes a day. Walking helps to build fitness, burns calories, and keeps bones and muscles strong. A regular walk can help a smoker maintain a healthy weight and make it easier to quit smoking. Start with small goals and increase your level of confidence by setting new ones. For instance, you can aim for a ten-minute walk on two or three days a week, or a three or four-minute strength training session once a week. Once you reach the goal, you can set a new one.