Welcome to the Community Forums

Quitting is easier when you're not doing it alone. We're here for that question you're not sure who to ask, to celebrate that first week, or just for support. Join us.

Forums / My journey / Dreaded weight gain

Dreaded weight gain Cancel

Feed for this thread

9 posts, 0 answered

qb16

7 posts
Registered:
01 Jan 2018

09 Feb 2018
Link to this post
Hi Everyone,
I am 5 weeks and 3 days into my quit journey and feel physically great. However I have gained about 5 pounds. Now this may not seem like a lot but I have struggled with my weight for my entire adult life and last summer finally reached my weight loss goal using weight watchers. I always said I would quit smoking when I reached my goal. I am now struggling because although I have quit smoking (yay) I am now over my goal weight. I find myself snacking way too often on food that isn't the healthiest choice. I mentally know what I need to do it is just convincing myself to do it. also, the cold snowy weather doesn't help as I am not running like I was before the winter.
Anyway, not looking for pity or anything just needed to write this down and ask if anyone else has gone through this and what did you do to get back on track and back to your goal weight?
jeyan

180 posts
Registered:
28 Nov 2017

09 Feb 2018 in reply to qb16
Link to this post
Qb16,

Weight gain is only temporary. Don't worry too much about it and focus on your quit. Once you quit, your good habits will address and find solution to your weight gain problem. I too did gain weight initially, but lost a lot more after that. Now my weight is at least 20 lbs less than when I was a smoker.

Also, drinking a lots of water helps with your quit as well as your weight issues. Good luck!! We can do this.
lillian, quit coach

220 posts
Registered:
28 Nov 2017

09 Feb 2018
Link to this post
Hi qb16 and jeyan,

What a good topic to bring here qb. It is all too easy to put weight on and all too easy to replace a cigarette with food.

You have a lot of knowledge on losing weight and so I am sure you'll be able to get back to the choices you know to make.

Maybe this one thing can help-- many times the food is the treat or reward and sometimes if you treat yourself in other ways it can help reduce the need for a food treat. For example, some people will buy themselves something, new toy, clothing or others will go for a massage or get their hair done more often, buy flowers.... Have you been rewarding yourself for quitting? Would anything else give you that feeling of pleasure or fun? Give some thought to that idea, a nice treat like that everyday? What do you think?

It is one idea to help avoid turning away from the food, I hope it helps.

As Jeyan said, this too will pass and before you know it, the weather will be suitable for those beautiful runs and those 5 pounds will be gone too.

You can do it qb, with what you've shared, you are one strong person. Congratulations!
Lillian

Last modified on 09 Feb 2018 16:28 by lillian, quit coach
treepeo

832 posts
Registered:
29 Nov 2017

10 Feb 2018
Link to this post
Hi qb16,

I want to congratulate you for being smoke free for over 5 weeks. Way to go! You are one strong cookie!

I never struggled with my weight until I quit smoking about 13 months ago. I did gain weight. However, my eating habits did not change. So smoking really was responsible for keeping my weight down. Yuck, that's scary to me. I would rather be overweight than still a smoker. I have been struggling to lose weight, but it took a toll and I wasn't happy, so I am taking a break. At this point in my life, I just don't care enough. My biggest goal was to quit smoking, and I did that. And I intend to stay a non-smoker. So if I am heavier than I was before, oh well. And like one of my sisters said, I am getting older, so it is not as easy to lose the weight. It's not just because I quit smoking.

You said you are a runner. Give yourself a chance. When the weather gets better, you can start running again, and you may be pleasantly surprised about the results. But regardless, just know this. Your weight does not define you. You are important no matter what. And you deserve to be able to live a smoke free life.

I wish the best for you, qb16. Value yourself, because you are valuable. Relax, because life will play out and as always, things will change. Make sure they change for the better. And above all else, stay smoke free. You will be much happier that way.
minnow

9 posts
Registered:
24 Jan 2018

10 May 2018
Link to this post
I am smoke free and delighted with my choice. It will be 4 months on may 25 . I’m still smoke free alcohol and caffeine free my choice! So wonderful to read all the post and see yourself in them . We all have a common goal! To be health and non smokers. If given a choice I’d take a donut anytime over a cancer stick. Anyway there’s just more of me to love !
camiloo

7 posts
Registered:
19 Nov 2019

22 Sep 2020
Link to this post
On average, people gain 5 to 10 pounds or 2.25 to 4.5 kilograms in the months after they give up smoking according to this site. I had the same problem. I've ballooned in weight and gained about 9 pounds. The drug nicotine speeds up your metabolism: which means your body uses energy more quickly. When you stop, your body uses energy slower and you gain weight.

Last modified on 22 Sep 2020 04:14 by camiloo
efreeman75

296 posts
Registered:
02 Apr 2018

22 Sep 2020
Link to this post
I don't disagree with the science, but would like to point out that exercise also becomes easier as your body heals itself from the years of nicotine abuse. Things like running and biking are far less tiring. Also, quitting smoking along with a pledge to better your health by eating better will also reduce weight gain. Quitting smoking can evoke quite a bit of exciting energy, when used correctly, can actually help you lose weight.
jenna lee, quit coach

265 posts
Registered:
28 Jun 2018

22 Sep 2020
Link to this post
You are both correct and make great points.

If people experience withdrawal symptoms such as increased appetite and fatigue, it may yield in a 5-10lb weight gain among other factors (such as a change in metabolism).

That being said, weight gain is not a guarantee because it can become easier to exercise after quitting. Additionally, people tend to take up more than one healthy habit when they make one change. For example, some people also aim to eat healthier after they have quit.

From a health standpoint: it is best to concentrate on your smoking and deal with the weight issue later. Focus on quitting and staying smoke-free and take small steps to help manage your weight when you are ready (Eat Right ON, Smoking and Nutrition, 2017).
Val H

167 posts
Registered:
29 Nov 2017

24 Sep 2020
Link to this post
After 6 months smoke-free I decided I was ready to tackle the weight issue. I joined a weight loss site and am making some progress. I agree with waiting until a person feels comfortable with the quitting smoking thing first and reassuring oneself that it will level off and come off in due time.

9 posts, 0 answered