How to Deal with Weight Worries
About 2/3 of quitters will gain some weight, usually 10 pounds or less. Here are some reasons why many smokers gain weight when they quit:
- Body metabolism may slow down, so fewer calories are burned. Eating the same number of calories may result in weight gain. In time, the body will readjust.
- Many quitters have stronger cravings for sweets. Often this results in eating foods with higher sugar content, which leads to extra calories.
- Food may also smell and taste better which could lead to increased eating.
Keep in mind that your main goal is to become a nonsmoker. Even a few cigarettes a day are much more harmful than a few extra pounds. Remember:
- Keep active to help burn up extra calories.
- Talk with your doctor about NRT or Zyban. They may reduce or delay weight gain.
- Try to relax a little about your weight and focus on quitting.
If you can quit smoking, you can do anything!
Calorie Burners*
|
Activities That Add Up
|
Calories Burned
Per 1/2 Hour **
|
| Slow walking (3 mph) |
120 |
| Light gardening |
120 |
| Golf (carrying clubs) |
125 |
| Hiking |
150 |
| Swimming laps |
210 |
| Biking (8 - 10 mph) |
210 |
| Singles tennis |
210 |
| Steady walking |
240 |
| Heavy housework |
250 |
| Jogging (5.5 mph) |
300 |
| Ballroom dancing |
300 |
| Cross country skiing |
350 |
| Brisk walking |
360 |
* Always check with your doctor before engaging in any physical activity.
** These estimates of calorie burning rates are based on a person weighing 150 pounds.
If you weigh more, you'll burn more. If you weigh less, you'll burn less.