Does Stopping Smoking Cause Weight Gain?

There are many reasons why quitting smoking can be good for your health. From improved circulation, reduced cancer risks, and even enhanced sense of smell and taste. But it can be hard. And with quitting can come side effects. Withdrawal effects, and one common side effect; weight gain.

In truth, yes, stopping smoking can cause weight gain as a side effect in some people. But it not inevitable, and it should not dissuade you from trying to quit. So, why does this weight gain happen, and how can you prevent it from even occurring?

Why do you gain weight after stopping smoking?

While weight gain can be common when someone quits smoking, this usually not directly due to the smoking itself but instead the result of changes which the body is going through one you quit.

Nicotine suppresses the body’s natural appetite feeling and speeds metabolism making the body burn through calories faster. When you quit smoking this appetite suppression has gone as well as the behavioural aspect of smoking. Often this means that ex-smokers will replace their smoking habit with snacking to cope with stress or boredom.  This snacking can often include high-sugar or high-fat comforts.

That improved sense of taste and smell which occurs after only 48 hours of quitting can also make food more enjoyable again. This is a positive change but can sometimes lead to larger portions at mealtimes or increased snacking without even realising.

For extra help and support with food and snacking habits after quitting smoking, we offer 1 to 1 nutritional support with our on-site nutritionist. Quick and easy online.

How much weight will I gain when I stop smoking?

Everyone is different, and some people may not gain any weight at all after quitting. But, for those who do, research suggests that people gain between ~2-5kg in the first year of quitting.

What’s important to remember is that even with possible weight gain, the health benefits that stopping smoking can offer dramatically reduce your risk of serious illness. Any short-term weight gain is far less harmful than continuing to smoke.

How to stop weight gain when quitting smoking?

As we’ve mentioned previously, the health benefits of quitting smoking heavily outweigh the potential of temporary weight gain. However, for those who might still be hesitant to quit for this reason, there are a few ways to reap the health benefits of quitting smoking as well as maintaining a healthy weight.

Quitting smoking should be your main priority. Weight management can be addressed either alongside or shortly after you’ve kicked the habit. Don’t worry if you notice a slight weight increase when your quitting smoking is going well.

For some people, especially those who may already be struggling with their weight, there are medicated weight loss support which can help. GLP-1 options such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Nevolat can help to reduce appetite, improve insulin release, and can also reduce nicotine cravings.

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At The Family Chemist, we understand that it’s hard to quit smoking alone. And how worrying it can be if you notice weight gain as a side effect. We can help by offering stop smoking treatments which can help you with withdrawal symptoms.

The Bottom Line

If you’re planning on quitting smoking, or have recent stopped, congratulations! This is a huge step towards a healthier you. If you’re worried about the possible weight gain or need that extra help with quitting then visit our online clinic page and find the support that could help you.