A decision to start smoking occurs for a variety of reasons --- including the desire to stay thin. Smokers typically weigh less than people who avoid the addictive habit, although smoking threatens your life by causing cancer and other disease. Carrying excess weight is also unhealthy and opens the door to diabetes and heart disease. The good news is that you can quit smoking --- and keep your weight at a healthy level --- by making some proven lifestyle changes. Recognize how to put smoking and excess weight in your past to ensure your well-being.
Reasons to Quit
People who smoke typically carry a higher metabolism than non-smokers and generally eat less, since the habit works to suppress your appetite by hindering the ability to taste and smell food. While smoking may help you keep off unwanted weight, the nicotine addiction shortens your future. Smokers who inhale toxic chemicals face a significantly higher risk to fall victim to heart and gum disease, breathing problems, wrinkles and ulcers --- as well as lung cancer and other forms of the deadly disease. Women who smoke while pregnant also subject their unborn children to potential complications. Smoking affects your daily living as well by staining your teeth, coating your clothes with a foul smell and limiting your athletic ability.
Why Weight Loss Matters
While smoking often results in premature death, carrying an unhealthy body weight --- or a waist measurement greater than 35 for women and over 40 for men --- also poses a serious risk to your long-term wellness. Your chance elevates for high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes when you are overweight, as well as gallbladder and heart disease, sleep disorders and a variety of cancers. Overweight women are also more likely to face irregular periods and fertility problems. Daily living suffers, as people with excess fat typically suffer depression, back pain and sexual problems.
The Best of Both Worlds
Although people who quit smoking typically experience a weight increase, you'll be able to retain your slim figure --- and avoid the risks associated with excess fat --- by adjusting your lifestyle. Resist the urge to keep your mouth busy by drinking alcohol or snacking on candy and unhealthy snacks with saturated fat. Consider low-calorie foods like vegetables, fresh fruit and bread with whole grains. Water and low-fat milk are non-fattening alternatives to beer. Regular exercise also burns calories and distracts your mind from smoking. Aim for 30 minutes or more of aerobic activities like walking, swimming, dancing or bike riding on most days with your doctor's permission.
A Smokeless Future
You'll have the best chance to successfully overcome a nicotine addiction by designating a specific date in the next two to four weeks as your last day to smoke. Speak with your doctor about prescription drugs and even over-the-counter products that can ease withdrawal symptoms and rid your home of any smoking-related items like lighters or matchbooks. Share the good news with your friends, who can provide encouragement and may want to join your healthy efforts.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Obesity
- FamilyDoctor.org: Smoking: Steps to Help You Break the Habit
- MayoClinic.com: Quit Smoking, Gain Weight: Is It Inevitable?
- MayoClinic.com: Aerobic Exercise: Top 10 Reasons to Get Physical
- American Cancer Society: Guide to Quitting Smoking
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute: Forever Free: A Guide to Remaining Smoke Free
