 |
 |
 |
 |
Increased Appetite and Weight Gain
What to Expect
After quitting, you may feel hunger pangs that are stronger and more frequent.
After quitting, you may have a better sense of taste.
Weight gain is most often due to eating more after quitting.
Frequency
Research has shown that 75% of all people who quit smoking do not gain weight and, of those who do gain weight, they gain an average of only 5-7 pounds!
Recent studies have found that 50-70% of quitters report feeling more hungry within 1 week of after quitting.
If feelings of hunger and/or weight gain occur, they will usually begin within the first 24 hours, peak in the first 1-2 weeks, and may last 1-6 months.
Self-Management
Do more physical activities (e.g. take the stairs instead of an elevator/escalator, park further away from the door to the office/mall/store etc.).
Select non-food rewards—new CD, go see a new movie.
Chew sugarless gum or a cinnamon stick.
Drink more water—especially before meals.
Plan meals ahead of time and don’t skip meals.
Weigh yourself every day.
Eat plenty of fresh fruit—carry it with you to work, to school, everywhere!
Nicotine and Your Body and Mind
Nicotine stops hunger pains in your stomach for as long as 1 hour and it also raises blood sugar level. When you quit, this is reversed.
Food may give the same effects as cigarettes: stimulation, relaxation, pampering, time out, comfort, socialization etc. Smoking and eating are both ways to meet these needs so when you quit smoking, you may eat more.
Withdrawal from nicotine enhances the taste of sweeter foods—some foods may actually taste better—and you may want to eat more of them.