This is what happens when you quit smoking

If you are a smoker and you are planning to quit, there can be no better decision. But did you know that a common concern of people when they think of quitting smoking is weight gain. A new research shows that a person’s dependency on nicotine determines how much weight he or she is likely to gain after quitting it.
The research
Researchers at the Kyoto Medical Centre in Japan examined the factors that lead to weight gain in people who quit smoking. The result was that the more heavily addicted a person was to nicotine, the more weight he/she gains after they quit.

The study involved 186 participants with an average age of about 60 who smoked more than one pack a day. After three months, these people quit smoking, people who were more dependent on nicotine, gained 2.5 pounds more weight.

That is why the desire to quit smoking by many people is hindered by the fact that it will make them gain weight.

How much weight can one gain after quitting smoking
Weight gain after quitting smoking is attributed to various factors inducing increased appetite, decreased metabolism, decreased physical activity and increased lipoprotein lipase activity, which affects fat transportation in the body.

The same study found that on an average, men only gained six pounds of fat after quitting smoking, while women gained only eight pounds.

However, the weight gained after quitting smoking lasted for just three years, while quitting smoking remains good for long term health decision.

Why people lose weight when they smoke
Use of tobacco in any form affects a person’s weight by increasing their metabolism. Besides this, the consumption of nicotine is lined with an array of cancers, blindness, degenerative disc disease and impotency.

Add exercise and healthy diet when trying to quit smoking
Adding regular exercise and a healthy diet to your post-smoking routine can help mitigate the weight gain, say the researchers of the study.

Dieting and exercise will not only prevent weight gain but will also help lower the risk of heart problems and glucose intolerance associated with excess weight gain.

Verdict
So, if you are concerned about weight gain associated with quitting smoking, do it now. The more you get dependent, the more weight you will gain as a result.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for physician's advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.