Study: Smoking abstinence has little impact on the motivation for food.

[2greys]

It’s sometimes thought that smokers who can’t light up are likely to reach for food in lieu of cigarettes. But new research from the University at Buffalo suggests that smoking abstinence doesn’t greatly affect the motivation for food.

The study, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, used cues and actual money to learn how much smokers might spend for cigarettes, food and water during abstinence. The results provide new insights for how different systems control motivation and reward.

buffalo.edu/news/releases/2...

[HungryHufflepuff]

Very interesting thanks. But it would be interesting to see a study into people trying to quit or who have quit smoking, to see what is the connection between quitting smoking and weight gain.

[2greys in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

One explanation could be: Nicotene is a stimulant and probably promotes more physical and nervous energy consuming calories. It may also affect gut microbiome as well, given that some nicotine has to be captured by saliva that is swallowed.

[hypercat54 in reply to 2greys]

I definately find smoking supresses my appetite coz when I stopped I was always hungry and put on 3 stone. Since I have gone back to it I eat less so not sure I agree with this. x

[powderpuff in reply to 2greys]

Another explanation could relate to how the thyroid reacts to nicotine - it speeds up the metabolism,hence more weight control than you find with a slower metabolism.

I haven’t smoked since last November & have gained around 1 stone which could be attributed or not to nicotine withdrawal, simultaneously, previously stable thyroid levels went haywire.

Thankfully, it’s proved to be a temporary state & normal service is beginning to return now.