Weight gain after giving up smoking

[Trish-Thompson]

I gave up smoking 6 months ago and have struggled with losing the huge amount of weight i put on as a result! its really getting me down now

[Hidden]

Hi there - I also gave up smoking just over a year ago this site is great for advice etc. Congratulations on being 6 months smoke free

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), or in the drop down on the 'Posts' page (it says 'arrange by'). Read the Welcome Newbie thread, then move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you.

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news.

Have a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as many people have had success with it. Also use the BMI checker nhs.uk/tools/pages/healthyw... to find your target calories, it's important to eat enough. This was a major turning point for me, realising I could eat anything I wanted as long as the calories are accounted for 😊

Don't forget to take your starting measurements and a 'before' picture, as they can be very motivating on days that the scales refuse to co-operate 😊

To the right of the HOME page (bottom on a mobile), you'll find Events. In there, you'll find links to our daily Weigh-in's (you will choose just one day per week), our Daily Diary, where we post our menu and exercise plans, for accountability, advice and support - which is great to get ideas of what other people are eating and I have to confess to nicking some of their menu's and our “What's happening today” thread, where we pop in for a chat.

Be aware, that the HU app doesn't give you access to all of our important features, so we advise that you use the full website page

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too 😊

Wishing you all the best on your journey - feel free to PM me if you ahve any issues questions x x

[Trish-Thompson in reply to Hidden]

Thank you x

[NannyEJ]

Hi Trish-Thompson and welcome to the forum. Well done for stopping smoking, as an ex smoker I know how hard this is. After that, losing weight will be a doddle. Like smoking, the first few weeks of the new lifestyle will be the hardest but then it gets easier. Especially if you use all the resources on this site.

The members here will give you lots of help and support so keep checking in and get involved.

For me, to start with I ate smaller portions and cut down on alcohol. I was already eating fairly healthy food but just too much of it! That made a big difference and it can for you too.

Work out what the calorie range for your BMI is and start with the top end of the range. As you lose weight you can eat towards the lower end of the range. Don't make the mistake of eating too few calories as this is counter productive.

Once you start to lose a little weight you may want to start some exercise if you don't already do some, and this should speed up your weight loss. Doesn't have to be too ambitious, even walking is great.

I am sure you will succeed in your weight loss goals Trish. Good luck EJ

[Trish-Thompson in reply to NannyEJ]

Thank you

[elliebath Maintainer]

Well done Trish. I am an ex-smoker and an ex 'fatty'. You've already taken the first ( and hardest) step. I don't know your age, but by quitting smoking you're already adding years to your life... and getting to a healthy weight should add another few.

So... hold that thought, make use of this forum and go for it! 😀

[Wadestreet]

Do not let this get you down. You did a great thing by quitting and feel proud of yourself for it. Just take one day at a time and exercise by walking 3 to 5 times per week for a 1/2 hour. You will see a difference in a couple of weeks. Wish you the best!!!