Gaining weight after quitting

The benefits of quitting are huge. You’ll breathe easier, have more energy and feel better overall. A small weight gain is a healthy trade-off for everything you gain by quitting.

Why you might feel hungrier

You might notice that you feel hungrier after quitting. That’s because food smells and tastes better when you stop smoking. Nicotine also reduces your appetite, so once it’s out of your system, your hunger may return to normal.

Tips to manage weight gain

There are lots of ways to help manage your weight after quitting:

• Talk to your doctor about using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or quit smoking medications - they can help manage cravings and reduce weight gain.
• Eat regular meals with lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Cut back on sugary and fatty foods.
• Try not to snack just to cope with cravings – have water or a low-calorie drink instead.
• Get moving – even a short walk can help boost your mood and keep your weight steady.

Why some people gain weight

Here are a few reasons why quitting can lead to weight gain:

• Your metabolism slows down a little, so your body stores more energy.
• Without nicotine, your hunger might feel stronger.
• If you used smoking to replace eating, you might eat more now that you’ve quit.
• Food can feel like a reward and might replace the 'buzz' you used to get from smoking or vaping.

Remember, it’s okay to gain a little weight – the important thing is that you’re quitting for your health. And with the right plan, you can stay in control.