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Healthy You Archives |
Raising a Family
Avoiding the ‘Tobacco 10’Planning helps you avoid weight gain after quitting smoking Don’t let the fear of gaining weight stop you from putting out that cigarette. While it’s true that ex-smokers commonly gain weight, “you can avoid the dreaded extra pounds if you plan and prepare to make some changes,” says Suzanne Smith of the Tobacco Treatment Program at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. On average, you’re likely to add five to 10 pounds after quitting smoking, says registered dietitian Beth Underkoffler of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Smoking and chewing tobacco increase your metabolism—to the point that heavy users burn up to 200 extra calories a day. When you quit, metabolism slows and you no longer burn those calories. Nicotine replacement products like Nicorette® gum are proven to curb weight gain only until you stop using them. Besides that, tobacco is an appetite suppressant and dulls your senses of smell and taste, Underkoffler says. You’re hungrier after quitting, and within a couple of days those senses reactivate, adding to your cravings. The risks of smoking far outweigh those of gaining five to 10 pounds. In fact, an average smoker would have to gain more than 100 pounds to put the same workload on the heart that smoking does. But planning to eat well and exercise regularly will help you avoid the “tobacco 10.” Just don’t try a strict diet in the first few days of quitting, Smith says. Focus on cessation first, and begin your diet once your tobacco cravings are under control. If you’re ready to quit, here are some tips for avoiding those extra pounds:
Need Help? To schedule an appointment or to find out more information,
call 610-402-CARE (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday). This page last updated 6/13/08 02:07 PM
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 May June 2005 Eating Healthy
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