What can I do to slow down the weight gain, since I quit smoking?

[Dogsncats]

I am on day 34, which I love, but I have gained 10 pounds since quitting. Is this normal and will it taper off?

[jillygirl Administrator Queen Bee]

Welcome to quit Support. Well done on achieving 34 days, that is fantastic.

Most people put weight on when they stop smoking. However a sensible healthy diet and plenty of exercise and you should soon be back to normal.

Here are some links from the pinned posts which may help you.

healthunlocked.com/quitsupp...

healthunlocked.com/quitsupp...

healthunlocked.com/quitsupp...

I will assign you an achievement badge next to your name.

There is plenty of information in our pinned posts , which are to the right or bottom of this page.

BIG well done once again. 😊👍xx

[roneo The legend]

G'day dogsncats. There ARE people who quit smoking & gain no weight.....(I don't think I've ever met one). There are 2 major factors. One is substituting cigarettes with food, which can & should be avoided. The other is more about the impact smoking has on your body. Nicotine is a stimulant & will boost your metabolism. Add to that the effect of all the toxins contained in tobacco & how much harder your body is working to expel those toxins. I have found that, unfortunately, if I maintain the same diet I had as a smoker, as a non smoker, I WILL gain weight. Over my life, my non smoking weight is about 15-20kgs higher than my smoking weight. I think this is the reason models & ballerinas are so highly represented among smokers, because their careers depend on them remaining slim. However, it doesn't HAVE to be. I have had success following a ketogenic diet which is worth looking into. Most on here will agree that maintaining a healthy weight is a secondary battle to be fought after quitting smoking but it IS winnable provided your expectations are realistic & you never use weight gain as an excuse to resume smoking.

[Veteran250 in reply to roneo]

Well said roneo...... personally, I gained weight when I quit, but didnt worry about it until I was smoke🚭free, then it dropped off over a period of time after I got back to healthy eating again.

[Briarwood Administrator Ducky]

Hi Dogsncats, welcome to Quit Support and love the name👋

Well done for 34 days smoke free, great achievement👍🏼

Lots of good advice already so I’ll just say try and fit some exercise into your routine as this really does help.

We look forward to supporting you on your journey🚭

It’s going to be a lovely smoke free Christmas for you🎄🤶🏻xx

[Schmicter]

Congrats on 34 days, it is truly a hallmark after 30. I also gained about 12 pounds, exercised regularly when I quit in February and dropped the weight fairly quickly come summertime. I realized I always put on 10 or so pounds in the winter anyway, and am back up about 10 as we speak. Hang in there it is the most important thing a smoker can do for their health, a few pounds will come and go, you will get more active when not spending so much time smoking and out of breath.