Smoking refusal is definitely the right step for health. But many people face an unpleasant "bonus" - a rapid weight gain. The endocrinologist explained why this happens and how to prevent it.
The main reason is nicotine withdrawal syndrome, which causes changes in the brain. A person who no longer receives the usual dose of nicotine begins to feel irritability, depression, inattention and even psychological "wasteland". In addition, physiological changes occur - the heartbeat slows, dizziness occurs, breathing is broken and, most importantly, the feeling of hunger increases.
Nicotine previously suppressed appetite and stimulated metabolism. After stopping smoking, the body tries to compensate for "loss" through food - first of all fat and sweet, which resembles the brain the usual stimulation of nicotine. This leads to a change in insulin sensitivity and also affects the liver and adrenal glands.
According to an endocrinologist, up to 69% of weight, people can gain within the first three months after smoking. Calorie intake is often doubled as food begins to replace a cigarette as a source of pleasure. This is especially true for women who could have previously replaced a full meal with a cup of coffee and cigarette.
To avoid this, a specialist advises:
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Go to a healthy lifestyle;
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View the diet - include more vegetables, fruits, protein products;
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not to "eat" stress, but to use physical activity to relieve voltage;
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replace snacks with useful products - raw vegetables, apples, nuts;
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adhere to sleep to reduce the risk of uncontrolled appetite;
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Gradually reduce the caloric content of the diet if the weight has already grown.
Smoking is not only a release from addiction, but also a chance to start a new, healthier life. But it is important not to allow one bad habit to be replaced by another - overeating.
